Ameliorating attention problems in children with sickle cell disease: a pilot
study of methylphenidate.
Author(s): Daly B, Kral MC, Brown RT, Elkin D, Madan-Swain A, Mitchell M, Crosby L, Dematteo
D, Larosa A, Jackson S.
Affiliation(s): Department of Psychology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
brian.daly@drexel.edu
Publication date & source: 2012, J Dev Behav Pediatr. , 33(3):244-51
OBJECTIVE: This pilot study examined whether methylphenidate (MPH) was effective
in enhancing cognitive performance and attention for children with sickle cell
disease (SCD) with cerebrovascular complications who evidence attention problems.
METHODS: In this multisite, pilot study, we evaluated 2 separate double-blind
controlled clinical trials, including a laboratory trial of the short-term
efficacy of MPH, with the second study a 3-week home/school crossover trial
evaluating the efficacy of MPH. The laboratory trial included 14 participants
between the age of 7 and 16 years. Assessments included measures of sustained
attention, reaction time, executive functions, and verbal memory. The home/school
trial included 20 participants. The outcome measures were parent and teacher
ratings of attention. The first study compared MPH with placebo, while the second
trial compared placebo, low-dose (LD) MPH, and moderate-dose MPH.
RESULTS: In the laboratory trial, significant effects were revealed for measures
of memory and inhibitory control. Parent and teacher reports from the home/school
trial indicate that moderate-dose MPH produced superior improvement in attention
relative to the placebo and LD MPH.
CONCLUSIONS: Stimulant medication positively impacted select measures of memory
and inhibitory control in some children with SCD. Attention, as rated by parent
and teachers, was improved for a greater number of children and adolescents on
higher doses of MPH relative to LD MPH and placebo. Stimulant medication may
provide an effective intervention for some children with SCD and cerebrovascular
complications who demonstrate attention problems.
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