Parents with children in daycare or preschool should be alert to unusual weight gain, rosy and taut skin, and a large abdomen with thin arms and legs, as these may indicate corticosteroid abuse. This issue has occurred at Thanh Nguyen Preschool in Binh Thuan.
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(Photo: childrens) |
Dr. Phan Van Nghiem, Head of the Professional Department at Ho Chi Minh City Health Department, stated that dexamethasone, the medication used in the food at Thanh Nguyen Preschool, is actually a corticosteroid that has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and immune-suppressing properties. Corticosteroids are used to treat various conditions such as allergies (hives, allergic edema), skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis, allergic dermatitis), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, joint issues, kidney problems, eye conditions, and cancer.
Under normal circumstances, the human body produces corticosteroids naturally. These hormones are secreted into the blood by the adrenal glands, helping the body respond to critical situations such as pain and infections. Their use must be prescribed by a specialist. Prolonged use of corticosteroids can lead to adrenal insufficiency, resulting in fatigue, vomiting, and in severe cases, low blood pressure.
Weight gain is a common side effect of corticosteroids due to fluid retention. Patients may experience obesity, a distended abdomen, thin limbs, fragile skin that bruises easily, and sometimes abdominal skin tears. The medication can also cause hypertension, diabetes, gastric ulcers, increased susceptibility to infections due to a weakened immune system, osteoporosis, acne, excessive hair growth, muscle atrophy, cataracts, and increased intraocular pressure. It may also lead to psychiatric symptoms such as insomnia, irritability, poor focus, and episodes of mania or depression. Additionally, corticosteroids can hinder children’s growth in height.
Signs of Corticosteroid Abuse in Children
Dr. Nguyen Cong Vien, Head of the Healthy Child Examination Department at Children’s Hospital 2, noted that parents can suspect corticosteroid abuse in their children through several signs: a puffy face, taut and rosy skin, and a round appearance resembling a full moon. Those unaware might mistakenly think the child is very healthy, attributing their rosy complexion and taut skin to good health. However, upon closer observation, one can see disproportionate physical development; while the child’s face and torso may appear larger, their arms and legs are thin and frail.
Other noticeable signs include rapid and sudden weight gain; the child eats excessively and continuously, which is unusual. Additionally, if observed closely, parents may notice increased body hair or even acne in the child. Medical examinations may reveal that the child is experiencing stunted height growth for their age; while weight increases, height remains stagnant, and bones may not absorb calcium properly, leading to osteoporosis. Over time, children may develop hypertension due to corticosteroid-induced fluid retention.
According to Dr. Nguyen Cong Vien, corticosteroids can quickly alleviate disease symptoms, which leads to their misuse for treatment. Therefore, the public must be extremely cautious about using these medications, ensuring they are prescribed, monitored, and guided by a physician. Long-term use must be closely supervised by a doctor to manage any harmful side effects promptly.
Dr. Phan Van Nghiem mentioned that for many years in Ho Chi Minh City, the health and education sectors have regularly inspected nutrition and health care for children, especially those in daycare and preschool. Regarding medication use, whether antibiotics, cough medicine, or supplements, it must always be prescribed by a doctor to ensure safety and appropriateness.
Previously, there was significant media coverage regarding the misuse of corticosteroids for treating adults and for weight gain in children at some clinics, prompting the health department to conduct inspections across the board. However, inspections have only reached about 40% of licensed clinics annually, with very few violations detected.
Dr. Nghiem stated that there have been no reported cases in Ho Chi Minh City similar to those in Binh Thuan. However, to prevent such occurrences, the health department will review and communicate with schools, urging them to be vigilant regarding this issue.
