Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder drugs and growth: an Italian prospective observational study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

This study was conducted to assess the long-term effect of methylphenidate (MPH) or atomoxetine (ATX) on growth in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drug-naïve children.

DESIGN:

The study was an observational, post-marketing, fourth phase study.

METHODS:

Data on height and weight were collected at baseline and every 6 months up to 24 months.

RESULTS:

Both ATX and MPH lead to decreased height gain (assessed by means of z-scores); the effect was significantly higher for ATX than for MPH. At any time, height z-score decrease in the ATX group was higher than the corresponding decrease observed in the MPH group, but the difference was significantly relevant only during the first year of treatment. An increment of average weight was observed both in patients treated with MPH and in those treated with ATX. However, using Tanner's percentile, a subset of patients showed a degree of growth lower than expected. This negative effect was significantly higher for ATX than for MPH.

CONCLUSIONS:

We conclude that ADHD drugs show a negative effect on linear growth in children in middle term. Such effect appears more evident for ATX than for MPH.

• Authors: Elena A P Germinario, Romano Arcieri, Maurizio Bonati, Alessandro Zuddas, Gabriele Masi, Stefano Vella, Flavia Chiarotti, Pietro Panei, Italian ADHD Regional Reference Centers
• Journal: Journal of child and adolescent psychopharmacology (J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol) Vol. 23 Issue 7 Pg. 440-7 (Sep 2013) ISSN: 1557-8992 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24024538 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Observational Study, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors
• Central Nervous System Stimulants
• Propylamines
• Methylphenidate
• Atomoxetine Hydrochloride

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adolescent Development (drug effects)
• Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors (adverse effects)
• Atomoxetine Hydrochloride
• Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Body Height (drug effects)
• Body Weight (drug effects)
• Central Nervous System Stimulants (adverse effects)
• Child
• Child Development (drug effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Italy
• Male
• Methylphenidate (adverse effects)
• Propylamines (adverse effects)
• Prospective Studies
• Registries