Patient's question:
The child is only seven months old and has autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The doctor has recommended hormone treatment. The initial dose is 3 milligrams, which will gradually be reduced over time. It is expected to last for about six months. I would like to know what impact this will have on the child's future growth and development?Doctor's answer:
Children or adolescent patients must be closely monitored when using corticosteroids long-term, as the risk of osteoporosis, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, glaucoma, and cataracts in these patients increases. Corticosteroids are relatively effective in treating this type of anemia, while traditional Chinese medicine can also be used, but it may be difficult to get a child of this age to take it. Additionally, the use of traditional Chinese medicine requires the combination with a small amount of corticosteroids, which should be said to have significant side effects on children.