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Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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Height, weight, IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and thyroid functions in prepubertal children with attention deficit hyperactivity

Abdullah Bereket1, Serap Turan, M Goksin Karaman

  • 1Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey. abereket@e-kolay.net

Hormone Research
|March 30, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Methylphenidate treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children did not impact growth or IGF-I levels long-term. However, mild decreases in thyroid hormones (T4) were observed, suggesting potential monitoring needs.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children.
  • Concerns exist regarding potential effects of stimulant medications, like methylphenidate, on growth and endocrine function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess disease-related and methylphenidate-induced changes in growth parameters.
  • To evaluate the impact on the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I/IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) axis.
  • To investigate alterations in thyroid function tests in children with ADHD.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of newly diagnosed, untreated prepubertal children with ADHD.
  • Monitoring occurred before and up to 16 months after initiating methylphenidate treatment.
  • Key parameters measured included height, weight, BMI, GH, IGF-I, IGFBP-3, T4, free T4, T3, and TSH.

Main Results:

  • Pre-treatment growth and endocrine parameters were within normal limits.
  • Methylphenidate did not significantly affect long-term height, weight, BMI, IGF-I, or IGFBP-3 standard deviation scores (SDS).
  • A time-dependent, modest reduction in serum T4 and free T4 levels was noted within the normal range.

Conclusions:

  • Children with ADHD exhibit normal growth, IGF-I, IGFBP-3, and thyroid function prior to treatment.
  • Methylphenidate treatment demonstrated no sustained adverse effects on growth parameters or the IGF axis.
  • A mild, yet notable, decrease in total and free T4 warrants consideration for further monitoring in children with ADHD on methylphenidate.
Abstract

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