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Effects of Long-Term Use of Prescription Methylphenidate on Myocardial Performance in Children with
Tayfun Kara1, Ajda Mutlu Mıhçıoğlu2, Semra Yılmaz1
11 Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Health Sciences , Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey .
Insights
Long-term use of methylphenidate (MPH) in children with ADHD showed no significant impact on cardiac function. Echocardiographic parameters remained clinically similar between MPH users and healthy controls, indicating cardiovascular safety.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly treated with methylphenidate (MPH).
- Long-term cardiovascular effects of MPH, particularly OROS MPH, require thorough investigation in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the relationship between long-term OROS MPH use and cardiac functions in children.
- To compare cardiovascular parameters in children with ADHD treated with OROS MPH versus healthy, untreated children.
Main Methods:
- 116 children (6-18 years) were divided into OROS MPH treatment (case) and no-treatment (control) groups.
- Cardiac function assessed via 12-channel ECG, 2D echocardiography, Doppler, and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI).
- Statistical analysis compared findings between the case and control groups.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in systolic/diastolic blood pressure or ECG findings between groups.
- 2D and M-mode echocardiography measurements showed no differences.
- A significant difference in E' septal TDI values was observed, but not indicative of clinical impairment.
Conclusions:
- Measured echocardiographic parameters revealed no clinically significant differences between MPH-treated children and controls.
- Methylphenidate use in children does not appear to impair cardiovascular functions during short-term follow-up.
Objective:
Many children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are treated with methylphenidate (MPH). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between long-term use of osmotic-release oral system methylphenidate (OROS MPH) and cardiac functions.
Methods:
The study involved 116 subjects 6-18 years of age. Fifty-eight of these were in the case group and were using OROS MPH (extended-release capsules). Fifty-eight children not receiving treatment were included in the control group. Participants were also assessed using 12-channel electrocardiography (ECG), transthoracic 2D echocardiography, Doppler echocardiography, and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). The findings obtained were compared using statistical methods.
Results:
No significant differences were determined between the case and control groups in terms of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure or 12-channel ECG findings. There was also no difference in 2D and M-mode measurements among the echocardiography findings. Of the TDI parameters obtained, only E' septal values differed significantly between the case and control groups. However, this was not at such a level as to indicate cardiac function impairment.
Conclusions:
The study data showed that the echocardiographic parameters we measured resulted in no clinical difference between the children using MPH and the healthy controls. We conclude that MPH use in children does not impair cardiovascular functions at short-term follow-up.
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