A retrospective analysis of memantine use in a pediatric neurology clinic
Sarah Bouhadoun1, Chantal Poulin2, Saoussen Berrahmoune3
1Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Insights
Memantine, an NMDA-R antagonist, was studied in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. It showed potential cognitive benefits and was well-tolerated, suggesting efficacy for autism spectrum disorder and ADHD.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Memantine is an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) antagonist.
- Approved for dementia, it is also investigated for pediatric autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the use and outcomes of memantine in children treated at a pediatric neurology clinic.
- To assess memantine's efficacy and safety in pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of clinical data from eight pediatric patients treated with memantine.
- Data included diagnoses, treatment details, response, and side effects.
Main Results:
- Four patients reported cognitive improvement, with two concurrently starting other treatments.
- One patient with a GRIN2A variant and epilepsy showed reduced seizure frequency.
- No serious adverse events were observed.
Conclusions:
- Memantine is generally well-tolerated in pediatric patients.
- It may offer potential benefits for a range of neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD and ADHD.
Background:
Memantine is an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) antagonist, approved for dementia, but also studied in pediatric autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Methods:
We reviewed children treated with memantine in a single-centre pediatric neurology clinic. Clinical data extracted included age, sex, weight, clinical history, reason for memantine prescription, period of treatment trial and dosage, treatment response, side effects, and concomitant medications.
Results:
Eight patients met inclusion criteria with diagnoses including developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, focal epilepsy, ASD, ADHD. Four reported clear cognitive improvement, though two of these started other concurrent treatments at the time of memantine initiation. One of three patients with poorly-controlled epilepsy, a girl with a GRIN2A variant of uncertain significance, had a clear reduction in seizure frequency. No serious adverse events were noted.
Conclusions:
Memantine is generally well-tolerated in children, and may have potential benefit for a broad range of pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders.
