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Effect on growth in pemoline-treated children with attention deficit disorder
Insights
Children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) experienced temporary growth retardation while treated with pemoline (Cylert). Subsequent catch-up growth was observed, indicating no long-term impact on stature or weight.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Pharmacological Growth Studies
Background:
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting children.
- Pemoline (Cylert) is a medication used to manage ADD symptoms.
- Understanding the impact of long-term medication on child growth is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To longitudinally assess the effects of pemoline therapy on the growth of children with ADD.
- To compare growth patterns of treated children with a control group.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal monitoring of 22 children with ADD over four years.
- Pemoline therapy administered for at least one year, followed by drug vacations.
- Regular measurements of stature and weight, compared to matched controls from the Fels Longitudinal Study.
Main Results:
- Initial significant deficits in mean weight change (6, 12 months) and stature change (12, 18 months) were observed.
- No significant differences in growth parameters were found in subsequent measurements up to four years.
- Temporary growth retardation followed by catch-up growth was evident.
Conclusions:
- Pemoline treatment in children with ADD can cause a temporary, reversible retardation in growth rate.
- Long-term growth appears unaffected after initial treatment phase and subsequent catch-up.
- This study highlights the importance of monitoring growth during pharmacotherapy for childhood disorders.
Abstract:
The growth of 22 children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) was monitored longitudinally for up to four years. Each child received at least one year of continuous, successful pemoline (Cylert) therapy, after which drug "vacations" were allowed. The effective dosage of pemoline ranged from 56 to 150 mg/day during the first year of treatment. Stature and weight measurements at six-month intervals were matched to those of paired "normal" children from the Fels Longitudinal Study. Significant deficits were observed for mean weight change at six and 12 months after baseline, and for mean stature change at 12 and 18 months after baseline. However, all subsequent six-month results up to four years did not differ significantly between the two groups. These results show a temporary retardation in the rate of growth in weight and stature with later catch-up growth in children treated wih pemoline.