Effect of long term inhaled corticosteroid therapy on adrenal suppression, growth and bone health in children with asthma.

Background: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the most effective treatment for children with persistent asthma. However adverse effects of ICS on Hypothalamo Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) axis, growth and bone metabolism are a concern. Hence the primary objective of this study was to describe the effects of long term inhaled corticosteroid therapy (ICS) on adrenal function, growth and bone health in children with asthma in comparison to an age and sex matched group of children with asthma who were not on long term ICS.

Exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) among welders in Sri Lanka.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of persistent organic pollutants with the ability to cause adverse impacts on human health and the environment. This study describes the indiscriminate use of PCB-contaminated transformer oil as a coolant in informal welding shops in Kalutara, Sri Lanka. Sixty-three welders, one each from a convenience sample of 63 welding workshops participated in the study.