Beclomethasone dipropionate steriod aerosol in treatment of perennial allergic asthma in children.

Thirty-one chronic perennial asthmatics aged from 2(1/2) to 16 years were treated with beclomethasone dipropionate pressurized aerosols for up to 20 months. Of these, 16 patients dependent on oral corticosteroid or corticotrophin for up to 11 years were successfully transferred to this treatment, with one exception. Steroid withdrawal symptoms were slight. Loss of weight, disappearance of Cushingoid features, and resumption of growth indicated lack of systemic side effects. Fifteen others inadequately controlled on bronchodilators or disodium cromoglycate, were also effectively treated, and no clinical evidence of adrenal suppression was noted.