Effects of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate treatment for ADHD on growth
Stephen V Faraone1, Thomas J Spencer, Scott H Kollins
1State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA. faraones@upstate.edu
Insights
Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children was associated with reduced growth in height, weight, and BMI compared to expected standards. Close monitoring of growth is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric endocrinology
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children.
- Stimulant medications, including lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX), are frequently prescribed for ADHD management.
- The impact of long-term stimulant use on pediatric growth requires ongoing investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the effects of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) on the growth of children diagnosed with ADHD.
- To assess changes in height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) during LDX treatment.
Main Methods:
- An uncontrolled, exploratory study involving 281 children aged 6–13 years treated with LDX.
- Longitudinal growth data (height, weight, BMI) collected up to 15 months.
- Comparison of growth parameters against Centers for Disease Control (CDC) age-appropriate norms.
Main Results:
- Children treated with LDX exhibited statistically significant reductions in expected gains for height, weight, and BMI.
- Growth delays were most pronounced in weight and BMI, with a notable decrease in height percentile.
- Factors associated with greater growth inhibition included higher baseline weight/height, no prior stimulant exposure, and longer LDX cumulative exposure.
Conclusions:
- Consistent with other stimulant medications, LDX treatment is associated with diminished growth in height, weight, and BMI.
- Children with ADHD receiving LDX require close monitoring of their growth trajectory.
- Intervention may be necessary if significant growth delays are observed during LDX therapy.
Objective:
To complete an exploratory uncontrolled study of the effects of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) on growth of children treated for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Method:
Height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) from 281 children ages 6 to 13 years from longitudinal assessments up to 15 months were compared to norms from the Centers for Disease Control.
Results:
At study entry, children were taller and heavier than average. Growth delays were largest for weight and BMI, and there was a 13 percentile point decrease in height. Children continued to grow in terms of height while treated with LDX; we found no increase in raw weight or BMI during the study period. LDX treatment was significantly associated with diminished gains in height, weight, and BMI compared to levels that would be expected based on age-appropriate standards from the Centers for Disease Control. Growth delays were greatest for the heaviest and tallest children, for those who had not previously received stimulant therapy, and for those with a greater cumulative exposure to LDX. More work is needed to determine effects on ultimate adult height.
Conclusions:
Consistent with prior studies of stimulants, treatment with LDX leads to statistically significant reductions in expected height, weight, and BMI. Growth of patients with ADHD treated with LDX should be closely monitored and corrective action taken should growth delays be observed.
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