The prevalence of attentional problems and the effect of methylphenidate in children with myelomenigocele.

Abstract

The prevalence of attentional problems, and the effect of methylphenidate was evaluated in a clinic population of children with myelomeningocele. Families of 79 children between the ages of 6 and 15 years were screened for the presence of attention problems in their children, using Conners' questionnaires for parents and teachers, and/or the DSM-IV checklist. Thirty-nine per cent of the children exhibited attention problems, primarily without hyperactivity. Fourteen children with attentional problems were enrolled in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial methylphenidate. Response to methylphenidate was assessed with Conners' questionnaires, Conners' Continuous Performance Test, and a battery of selected neuropsychological tests. No statistically significant response was measured for the group while on methylphenidate. Four children were clinical responders to methylphenidate. The prevalence of attentional problems in children with myelomeningocele is high, and effective medication therapy needs to be studied further.

• Authors: M Davidovitch, P Manning-Courtney, L A Hartmann, J Watson, M Lutkenhoff, S Oppenheimer
• Journal: Pediatric rehabilitation (Pediatr Rehabil) 1999 Jan-Mar Vol. 3 Issue 1 Pg. 29-35 ISSN: 1363-8491 [Print] England
• PMID: 10367291 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Central Nervous System Stimulants
• Methylphenidate

Topics

• Adolescent
• Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders (complications, drug therapy)
• Central Nervous System Stimulants (therapeutic use)
• Child
• Cross-Over Studies
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Meningomyelocele (complications)
• Methylphenidate (therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome