Neurocognitive effects of switching from methylphenidate-IR to OROS-methylphenidate in children with ADHD
Yeni Kim1, Min-Sup Shin, Jae-Won Kim
1Department of Psychiatry, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Insights
Switching children with ADHD from methylphenidate immediate-release (MPH-IR) to OROS-MPH improved neurocognitive performance. This transition showed benefits in attention and reaction time, suggesting OROS-MPH as a viable treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Child Psychiatry
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder.
- Methylphenidate (MPH) is a first-line treatment for ADHD, available in various formulations.
- Immediate-release (MPH-IR) and osmotic release oral system (OROS-MPH) are common MPH formulations with different pharmacokinetic profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate neurocognitive changes in children with ADHD after switching from MPH-IR to OROS-MPH.
- To assess the efficacy and tolerability of OROS-MPH following a switch from MPH-IR.
Main Methods:
- An open-label, 28-day trial involving 102 children diagnosed with ADHD.
- Neurocognitive testing was conducted at baseline and after 28 days of OROS-MPH treatment.
- Participants switched from their existing MPH-IR medication to OROS-MPH.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in commission errors and reaction time on visual and auditory continuous performance tests (CPTs).
- A positive correlation was found between improved parent/caregiver-rated IOWA Conners scores and reductions in commission errors and reaction time variability on visual CPT.
- Linear regression indicated that changes in IOWA Conners scores predicted changes in visual CPT commission errors and reaction time variability.
Conclusions:
- Switching from MPH-IR to OROS-MPH in children with ADHD is associated with improved neurocognitive function.
- OROS-MPH demonstrates potential as an effective treatment option following a switch from MPH-IR.
- Further large-scale, controlled trials are recommended to confirm these findings.
Objectives:
This study evaluated neurocognitive changes after switching from immediate release forms of methylphenidate (MPH-IR) to osmotic release oral system methylphenidate (OROS-MPH).
Methods:
102 children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) participated in an open label, 28 day trial, performing neurocognitive test at baseline and at 28 days after the switch from MPH-IR to OROS-MPH.
Results:
There were significant improvements in the commission error and the reaction time of both visual and auditory continuous performance tests (CPTs) at 28 days after switching from MPH-IR to OROS-MPH. A positive correlation was observed between the improvement in parent/caregiver-rated IOWA Conners total score (Delta IOWA) and the reduction in commission error (r = 0.3, p = 0.001) and reduction in reaction time variability (r = 0.3, p = 0.006) of visual CPT. In a linear regression model, the change in parent/caregiver-rated IOWA Conners scale total scores were significant predictors of change in commission error (beta = 0.3, p = 0.005, CI = 0.4-2.3, adjusted R(2) = 0.12) and RT variability (beta = 0.3, p = 0.004, CI = 0.5-2.4, adjusted R(2) = 0.09) of visual CPT.
Conclusions:
These data suggest that MPH-IR may be successfully switched to OROS-MPH treatment with associated improvements in neurocognitive performance. Large-scale controlled trials are needed to replicate these findings.
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