Early Maturity For A 12 Year Old. Taken Steroids For Subglottic Hemangioma In Childhood. Is It Due To Steroids?

Posted on Wed, 16 May 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 16 May 2012 Answered on

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : My son was on steroids as an infant because he had a subglottic hemangioma in his airway. Today he is twelve and looks like a full grown man in almost every way, He is 5'11" 170lbs, wears a size 13 shoe has well defined muscles and has to shave. Could his early steroid growth have caused this and should I be concerned?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (42 minutes later)

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The early maturity and puberty in your son is related to the steroids he has taken during the childhood. It causes an early growth spurt in the children. But now nothing can be done to revert these changes.
The premature changes he has undergone are not worrisome as he has attained his full adult height. These changes are not likely to affect his future life. You can take a second opinion from an endocrinologist who will do a physical examination and can help him if there are any symptoms.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (4 minutes later)

What symptoms are you referring to?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (1 hour later)

Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
The symptoms in such cases are related to the emotional stress as well as due to unadaptability in the society for social awkwardness.
Family support helps in providing them social security.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar