Baseline values from the electrocardiograms of children and adolescents with ADHD

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>An important issue in pediatric pharmacology is the determination of whether medications affect cardiac rhythm parameters, in particular the QT interval, which is a surrogate marker for the risk of adverse cardiac events and sudden death. To evaluate changes while on medication, it is useful to have a comparison of age appropriate values while off medication. The present meta-analysis provides baseline ECG values (i.e., off medication) from approximately 6000 children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Subjects were aged 6–18 years and participated in global trials within the atomoxetine registration program. Patients were administered a 12-lead ECG at study screening and cardiac rhythm parameters were recorded. Baseline QT intervals were corrected for heart rate using 3 different methods: Bazett's, Fridericia's, and a population data-derived formula.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>ECG data were obtained from 5289 North American and 641 non-North American children and adolescents. Means and percentiles are presented for each ECG measure and QTc interval based on pubertal status as defined by age and sex. Prior treatment history with stimulants and racial origin (Caucasian) were each associated with significantly longer mean QTc values.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Baseline ECG and QTc data from almost 6000 children and adolescents presenting with ADHD are provided to contribute to the knowledge base regarding mean values for pediatric cardiac parameters. Consistent with other studies of QT interval in children and adolescents, Bazett correction formula appears to overestimate the prevalence of prolonged QTc in the pediatric population.</p

Heart Rate Variability Characteristics in Sedentary Postmenopausal Women Following Six Months of Exercise Training: The DREW Study

Article on heart rate variability characteristics in sedentary postmenopausal women following six months of exercise training

Quality of general movements and the development of minor neurological dysfunction at toddler and school age

Objective: To evaluate the reliability of assessing infants' general movements (GMs) using a new classification and its validity in predicting complex minor neurological dysfunction (MND) at toddler and at school age. Design: Prospective study of two groups of infants, each consisting of a mix of low-risk and high-risk infants. Setting: University Hospital Groningen, the Netherlands. Subjects: Group A consisted of 16 low-risk and 21 high-risk infants; group B of 28 low-risk and 24 high-risk infants. Main outcome measures: Between term age and four months post term: multiple assessments of neurological condition by means of (a) assessment of GMs, and (b) a traditional neurological examination. GMs were classified into four classes using a standardized qualitative description: two classes of normal movements (normal-optimal and normal-suboptimal) and two classes of abnormal movements (mildly and definitely abnormal movements). Follow-up neurological examination with special attention to presence of MND was carried out in group A at 1% years, in group B at 4-9 years. Results: GMs could be assessed reliably. They were stable over age in about 60% of the infants. Both the condition of the GMs and the infant neurological condition were significantly related to neurological condition at follow-up. Best prediction of complex MND was achieved when both types of infant assessment at the age of 2-4 months post term were combined. Conclusions: The assessment of GMs is a valuable tool, in particular when combined with the traditional neurological examination, to predict at early age the development of complex MND