What is the advantage of alternate-day glucocorticoid therapy in children?

The advantage of alternate-day glucocorticoid therapy in children primarily lies in its ability to reduce the risk of side effects commonly associated with glucocorticoids, particularly the risk of immune suppression. When glucocorticoids are taken daily, they can lead to a higher incidence of infections due to their immunosuppressive effects. By utilizing an alternate-day regimen, the overall exposure to glucocorticoids is reduced, allowing for better immune function and decreasing the likelihood of infections.

Additionally, this approach helps minimize other potential side effects, such as growth suppression and adrenal insufficiency, while still maintaining therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, alternate-day glucocorticoid therapy strikes a balance between providing necessary treatment and protecting the child’s overall health, particularly their immune function.