Methylphenidate use in males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and a comorbid attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Methylphenidate use in males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and a comorbid attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Eur J Paediatr Neurol. 2018 Sep 21;: Authors: Lionarons JM, Hellebrekers DMJ, Klinkenberg S, Faber CG, Vles JSH, Hendriksen JGM Abstract Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common comorbidity in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Until now, treatment with methylphenidate (MPH) has never been systematically assessed and described in this population. Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of short acting MPH for learning problems in males with DMD and ADHD. Neuropsychological (cognition and behavior) and medical data of a sample of ten males (mean age = 8.1 years, range 6.3-9.8) with DMD and an ADHD diagnosis was retrospectively analyzed at baseline (T0; without MPH), short-term follow-up (T1; with MPH; mean interval T0-T1 = 8.3 months, range 4.3-15.6), and long-term follow-up (T2; mean interval T1-T2 = 23.1 months, range 2.6-77.7). An initial MPH dose of 5 mg/day was given on school mornings, with an increase of 2.5-5 mg/week depending on individual tolerance and treatment response, until a sufficiently effective dose was reached (range 0.2-0.6 mg/kg/day). At T1, results demonstrated an improvement in attention (i.e. concentration, impulsivity, and distractibility) in four patients. Suboptimal effects were reported in four patients, and no effects in two patients. At T2, seven p...
Source: European Journal of Paediatric Neurology - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Eur J Paediatr Neurol Source Type: research