Adrenal cortical function in asthmatic children on alternate day steroids.

Adrenal cortical function was determined in 16 children receiving prednisolone or prednisolone stearoylglycolate on alternate days. The dosages of the corticosteroids varied from 2·5 to 10 mg prednisolone, or 6·65 to 13·30 mg of its stearoylglycolate ester; the duration of therapy ranged from 2 to 26 months. Adrenocortical function was assessed from the plasma cortisol response to a single injection of β tetracosactrin (Synacthen); repeat tests were performed after altering steroid dosages or for reassessment of individual patients. The effects of prednisolone stearoylglycolate are compared with those of prednisolone, and the effects of alternate-day prednisolone therapy are compared with those found when this corticosteroid was given daily to similar (in three cases, the same) children.