QTc Interval Screening Before ADHD Medications
Author Information
Author(s): Hamza A. Alsayouf, Dyab Lima M., Redab Al-Ghawanmeh, Luay S. Alhawawsha, Osama Alsarhan, Hadeel Al-Smadi, Ghaith M. Al-Taani, Azhar Daoud, Haitham E. Elsadek, Wael H. Khreisat, Marco Carotenuto
Primary Institution: The Specialty Hospital, Amman, Jordan
Hypothesis
Is routine QTc interval screening necessary before starting ADHD medications in children?
Conclusion
Routine screening ECGs prior to treatment with ADHD medications may not be necessary in healthy children with no family history of cardiac disease.
Supporting Evidence
- Of 458 patients with baseline ECGs, 362 met the study inclusion criteria.
- 286 (79.0%) patients were diagnosed with ASD/comorbid ADHD.
- During the ≥6-month follow-up, none of the patients had any signs or symptoms of adverse cardiac effects.
Takeaway
The study found that most healthy kids with ADHD don't need heart tests before getting their medicine.
Methodology
A retrospective chart review of children aged 2–18 years diagnosed with ADHD with/without autism spectrum disorder who had a baseline ECG and ≥6 months of follow-up.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and may not account for long-term effects of ADHD medications.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 2–18 years, mostly male (74%), with a mean age of 6.4 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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