A Case of Growth Retardation and Cushing’s Syndrome Due to Excessive Application of Betamethasone-17-Valerate Ointment

Abstract

An 8-year-old girl with severe proportional growth retardation and Cushing’s syndrome with excessive osteoporosis due to excessive application of corticosteroids is presented. The adrenal function became normal and Cushing’s syndrome disappeared gradually after cessation of the betamethasone application; growth amounted to 11 cm in 9 months, corresponding with a growth rate of 15 cm/year. It is recommended that the growth of children who are treated topically with large amounts of corticosteroids for a period longer than 3 months be checked frequently.