Effect of methylphenidate on height in pediatric attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AbstractMethylphenidate (MPH), a first-line treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) management, has been the focus of debate for decades regarding its effect on growth. The aim of this PRISMA meta-analysis was to determine the effect of MPH on height in children/adolescents with ADHD and its predictive factors based on literature reports. Available full-text articles were systematically reviewed to identify clinical studies of pediatric ADHD patients with height Z-score (HZS) data for monotherapy MPH-treated and non-treated groups. We estimated standardized mean differences (SMDs) of HZS or its changes from baseline ( ΔHZS) between groups, then identified associated factors through subgroup analyses and meta-regression. For before–after treatment studies, the paired standard errors of ΔHZS were re-estimated to demonstrate in the forest plot. Risk of bias was analyzed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Among the 29 eligible studies, 26 reported ΔHZS with self-control groups, and ΔHZS or absolute HZS were compared to other external controls in 11 studies. A significant reduction was observed between post-MHP and pre-MPH use, with high heterogeneity (SMD =  – 0.40; 95% confidence interval =  [ – 0.54,  – 0.27];I2 = 91%). The study region, ADHD subtype, and stimulant-naïve status of patients at baseline may modify the effect on HZS. Because of the high clinical heterogeneity in observational studies, clinicians should co...
Source: European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research