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Neurobehavioral effects of amantadine after pediatric traumatic brain injury: a preliminary report
Sue R Beers1, Anna Skold, Clifton Edward Dixon
1Traumatic Brain Injury Program, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. beerssr@upmc.edu
Insights
Amantadine hydrochloride (AMH) is safe for treating pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) neurobehavioral issues. AMH improved behavior, with cognitive benefits seen in recently injured children.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to persistent neurobehavioral challenges.
- Effective pharmacological interventions for TBI sequelae are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of amantadine hydrochloride (AMH) for neurobehavioral sequelae in pediatric TBI.
- To assess AMH's impact on behavior and cognition post-TBI.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial comparing AMH to usual care in age- and severity-matched pediatric TBI groups.
- Behavioral scales and neuropsychological tests were administered.
- Side effects were monitored over a 12-week period.
Main Results:
- Parent-reported behavioral improvements were observed in the AMH group.
- Cognitive benefits were evident in children within two years of their TBI.
- Amantadine hydrochloride was well-tolerated with no significant side effects reported.
Conclusions:
- A 12-week course of AMH is a safe treatment option for pediatric TBI.
- AMH demonstrates potential for improving behavior and cognition in pediatric TBI survivors.
- Further research may explore AMH's efficacy in different TBI recovery stages.
Objective:
To investigate the safety and efficacy of a dopamine agonist, amantadine hydrochloride (AMH), in the treatment of neurobehavioral sequelae of pediatric TBI.
Procedures:
Age- and severity-matched traumatic brain injury groups, randomized to AMH (n = 17) or usual care (n = 10), completed behavior scales and neuropsychological tests. Effect sizes measured the treatment effect within subjects and between groups. Side effects were tracked over the 12-week study course.
Results:
Behavior improved in the AMH group, but only those 2 years or fewer postinjury showed a treatment effect on cognitive tests.
Conclusions:
After traumatic brain injury, a 12-week course of AMH was safe and, according to parent report, improved behavior. AMH may have the potential to improve cognition in more recently injured children.
