Research article summary (published 30 Mar 2003):

Slowing of growth in height and weight on stimulants: a characteristic pattern.

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the present study were to describe the growth pattern of children starting stimulant medication and to analyse the changes over time in height, weight and height velocity in a cohort of treated patients. METHODS: Retrospective review of growth data from files of all newly treated patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in one paediatric practice. Forty-four boys and seven girls were treated for 6-42 months with either dexam-phetamine (n = 32) or methylphenidate (n = 19). RESULTS: During the first 6 months on stimulant medication 44 children (86%) had a height velocity below the age-corrected mean and there was weight loss in 39 (76%). The height and weight standard deviation score (SDS) showed a progressive decline that was statistically significant after 6 and 18 months (P < 0.001, paired t-test). The height velocity was significantly attenuated for the first 30 months (P < 0.01), being lowest during the first 6 months. The mean height deficit during the first 2 years was approximately 1 cm/year. The change in weight SDS was 2.4 times the change in height SDS after 30 months on treatment with a significant correlation (Pearson's correlation coefficient r = 0.88, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Stimulant medication is associated with a decrease in height and weight SDS during the first 6-30 months with a characteristic pattern on the growth chart.

Author information

Author/s: Poulton, A (A); Cowell, C T (CT);

Affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia. tbraj(-atsign-)bigpond.net.au

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article

Journal: Journal of paediatrics and child health (J Paediatr Child Health), published in Australia. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2003-Apr; vol 39 (issue 3) : pp 180-5

Dates: Created 2003/03/25; Completed 2003/07/30; Revised 2007/09/24;

PMID: 12654140, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent Age Distribution Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - diagnosis; drug therapy Body Height - drug effects Body Weight - drug effects Central Nervous System Stimulants - adverse effects; therapeutic use Child Child Development - drug effects; physiology Child, Preschool Cohort Studies Dextroamphetamine - adverse effects; therapeutic use Dose-Response Relationship, Drug Drug Administration Schedule

Drug Administration Schedule Female Growth Disorders - chemically induced; epidemiology Humans Incidence Male Methylphenidate - adverse effects; therapeutic use New South Wales - epidemiology Probability Prognosis Retrospective Studies Risk Assessment Sex Distribution

Associated Chemicals: Central Nervous System Stimulants (0) ; Methylphenidate (113-45-1) ; Dextroamphetamine (51-64-9)

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