Hypoglycemia due to adrenal suppression secondary to high-dose nebulized corticosteroid

Pediatr Pulmonol. 2002 Jul;34(1):85-6. doi: 10.1002/ppul.10132.

Abstract

High-dose inhaled corticosteroids, greater than 400 mcg per day of beclomethasone dipropionate or equivalent, can cause adrenal insufficiency, but a hypoglycemic crisis has not been reported with the use of nebulized corticosteroids. We describe a 21-month-old asthmatic boy who had a hypoglycemic seizure during a proven acute adrenal crisis secondary to high-dose nebulized budesonide treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Adrenal Cortex / drug effects
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / adverse effects*
  • Asthma / blood
  • Asthma / complications*
  • Asthma / drug therapy
  • Bronchodilator Agents / adverse effects*
  • Budesonide / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / therapeutic use
  • Hypoglycemia / blood
  • Hypoglycemia / etiology*
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Nebulizers and Vaporizers

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Bronchodilator Agents
  • Budesonide
  • Hydrocortisone