MATURATIONAL DELAY AND TEMPORAL GROWTH RETARDATION IN ASTHMATIC BOYS

[摘要] Growth in height, bone age and sexual maturation were studied in asthmatic boys 2-20 yr of age. The mean pattern of growth in height was analyzed mixed-longitudinally in 531 patients (1754 measures) and seemed to be determined by a delay in physiologic maturation. The asthmatic boys'' growth in height showed no retardation during infancy, a small but consistent retardation during childhood, a more pronounced delay at adolescence, and a catch-up growth toward adulthood. The mean adolescent growth spurt is delayed by about 1.3 yr. Bone age was analyzed mixed-longitudinally in a subsample of 370 patients (660 observations) and showed a slight retardation at all ages between 6 and 13 yr. Development of pubic hair of 91 subjects analyzed cross-sectionally was definitely retarded when compared to adequate reference data. Factors secondary to the asthmatic syndrome are apparently involved in the retardation of growth and development.