Trial Outcomes & Findings for Methylphenidate for Attention Problems After Pediatric TBI (NCT NCT01933217)

NCT ID: NCT01933217

Last Updated: 2020-06-04

Results Overview

Changes in symptom ratings were assessed on the Vanderbilt ADHD parent rating scales (VADPRS). A measure of ADHD symptom severity (Total Symptom Score \[TSS\]) is computed by totaling the scores from items 1-18 (Inattentive +Hyperactive-impulse domains), with a rating of none=0, occasionally=1, often=2, very often=3, provided. Scores for inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive domains were generated by totaling the 9 symptoms in these domains, and a TSS was computed by totaling items across domains.

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

PHASE4

Target enrollment

26 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

Reported at End of Methylphenidate Arm (Week 4 or 8)

Results posted on

2020-06-04

Participant Flow

Recruitment period for the study was January 2014 through July 2017. Participants were recruited from a tertiary pediatric hospital in the Midwestern United States with a Level 1 trauma designation. 321 participants were screened for eligibility.

Of the 321 assessed for eligibility, 40 participants scheduled a baseline assessment. 163 did not meet inclusion criteria and 118 declined to participate. 26 of the 40 participants were enrolled and randomized. Of those not randomized, 5 dropped before baseline visit and 9 did not show for scheduled baseline visit.

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Methylphenidate, Then Placebo
For the first week, participants received the low-dose Methylphenidate condition (Concerta® over-encapsulated). Over the subsequent 3 weeks, the dose was titrated based on medication response and side effects to determine the optimal dose used for week 4. At the end of week 4, participants crossed-over and repeated the same procedures for the placebo condition. No wash-out period was used. The weekly dosages were low, medium, and high based on weight cut-offs. Participants weighing less than 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 27mg (medium), and 36mg (high) dosages and participants weighing above 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 36mg (medium), and 54mg (high) dosages during the 3-week upward titration trial.
Placebo, Then Methlyphenidate
For the first week, participants received the low-dose Placebo condition (white powder pills). Over the subsequent 3 weeks, the dose was titrated based on medication response and side effects to determine the optimal dose used for week 4. At the end of week 4, participants crossed-over and repeated the same procedures for the Methlyphenidate condition. No wash-out period was used. The weekly dosages were low, medium, and high based on weight cut-offs. Participants weighing less than 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 27mg (medium), and 36mg (high) dosages and participants weighing above 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 36mg (medium), and 54mg (high) dosages during the 3-week upward titration trial.
Randomization (4 Weeks)
STARTED
12
14
Randomization (4 Weeks)
COMPLETED
10
10
Randomization (4 Weeks)
NOT COMPLETED
2
4
Crossover (4 Weeks)
STARTED
10
10
Crossover (4 Weeks)
COMPLETED
10
10
Crossover (4 Weeks)
NOT COMPLETED
0
0

Reasons for withdrawal

Reasons for withdrawal
Measure
Methylphenidate, Then Placebo
For the first week, participants received the low-dose Methylphenidate condition (Concerta® over-encapsulated). Over the subsequent 3 weeks, the dose was titrated based on medication response and side effects to determine the optimal dose used for week 4. At the end of week 4, participants crossed-over and repeated the same procedures for the placebo condition. No wash-out period was used. The weekly dosages were low, medium, and high based on weight cut-offs. Participants weighing less than 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 27mg (medium), and 36mg (high) dosages and participants weighing above 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 36mg (medium), and 54mg (high) dosages during the 3-week upward titration trial.
Placebo, Then Methlyphenidate
For the first week, participants received the low-dose Placebo condition (white powder pills). Over the subsequent 3 weeks, the dose was titrated based on medication response and side effects to determine the optimal dose used for week 4. At the end of week 4, participants crossed-over and repeated the same procedures for the Methlyphenidate condition. No wash-out period was used. The weekly dosages were low, medium, and high based on weight cut-offs. Participants weighing less than 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 27mg (medium), and 36mg (high) dosages and participants weighing above 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 36mg (medium), and 54mg (high) dosages during the 3-week upward titration trial.
Randomization (4 Weeks)
Withdrawal by Subject
1
3
Randomization (4 Weeks)
Lost to Follow-up
1
1

Baseline Characteristics

Methylphenidate for Attention Problems After Pediatric TBI

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Methylphenidate, Then Placebo
n=12 Participants
For the first week, participants received the low-dose Methylphenidate condition (Concerta® over-encapsulated). Over the subsequent 3 weeks, the dose was titrated based on medication response and side effects to determine the optimal dose used for week 4. At the end of week 4, participants crossed-over and repeated the same procedures for the placebo condition. No wash-out period was used. The weekly dosages were low, medium, and high based on weight cut-offs. Participants weighing less than 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 27mg (medium), and 36mg (high) dosages and participants weighing above 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 36mg (medium), and 54mg (high) dosages during the 3-week upward titration trial.
Placebo, Then Methylphenidate
n=14 Participants
For the first week, participants received the low-dose Placebo condition (white powder pills). Over the subsequent 3 weeks, the dose was titrated based on medication response and side effects to determine the optimal dose used for week 4. At the end of week 4, participants crossed-over and repeated the same procedures for the Methlyphenidate condition. No wash-out period was used. The weekly dosages were low, medium, and high based on weight cut-offs. Participants weighing less than 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 27mg (medium), and 36mg (high) dosages and participants weighing above 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 36mg (medium), and 54mg (high) dosages during the 3-week upward titration trial.
Total
n=26 Participants
Total of all reporting groups
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
12 Participants
n=99 Participants
14 Participants
n=107 Participants
26 Participants
n=206 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
0 Participants
n=99 Participants
0 Participants
n=107 Participants
0 Participants
n=206 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
0 Participants
n=99 Participants
0 Participants
n=107 Participants
0 Participants
n=206 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
2 Participants
n=99 Participants
4 Participants
n=107 Participants
6 Participants
n=206 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
10 Participants
n=99 Participants
10 Participants
n=107 Participants
20 Participants
n=206 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
12 participants
n=99 Participants
14 participants
n=107 Participants
26 participants
n=206 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Reported at End of Methylphenidate Arm (Week 4 or 8)

Population: All participants who completed outcome data and full cross-over intervention

Changes in symptom ratings were assessed on the Vanderbilt ADHD parent rating scales (VADPRS). A measure of ADHD symptom severity (Total Symptom Score \[TSS\]) is computed by totaling the scores from items 1-18 (Inattentive +Hyperactive-impulse domains), with a rating of none=0, occasionally=1, often=2, very often=3, provided. Scores for inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive domains were generated by totaling the 9 symptoms in these domains, and a TSS was computed by totaling items across domains.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Methylphenidate
n=20 Participants
For the first week, participants received the low-dose Methylphenidate condition (Concerta® over-encapsulated). Over the subsequent 3 weeks, the dose was titrated based on medication response and side effects to determine the optimal dose used for week 4. The weekly dosages were low, medium, and high based on weight cut-offs. Participants weighing less than 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 27mg (medium), and 36mg (high) dosages and participants weighing above 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 36mg (medium), and 54mg (high) dosages during the 3-week upward titration trial.
Placebo
n=20 Participants
For the first week, participants received the low-dose Placebo condition (white powder pills). Over the subsequent 3 weeks, the dose was titrated based on medication response and side effects to determine the optimal dose used for week 4. The weekly dosages were low, medium, and high based on weight cut-offs. Participants weighing less than 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 27mg (medium), and 36mg (high) dosages and participants weighing above 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 36mg (medium), and 54mg (high) dosages during the 3-week upward titration trial.
Parent Outcome-Vanderbilt ADHD Parent Rating Scales (VADPRS)
Vanderbilt Parent TSS
1.10 units on a scale
Standard Error .11
1.47 units on a scale
Standard Error .11
Parent Outcome-Vanderbilt ADHD Parent Rating Scales (VADPRS)
Vanderbilt Parent Hyperactive
.84 units on a scale
Standard Error .11
1.14 units on a scale
Standard Error .11
Parent Outcome-Vanderbilt ADHD Parent Rating Scales (VADPRS)
Vanderbilt Parent Inattentive
1.37 units on a scale
Standard Error .12
1.79 units on a scale
Standard Error .12

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Reported at End of Methylphenidate Arm (Week 4 or 8)

Population: All participants who completed outcome data and full cross-over intervention

The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF)-Parent was used to assess executive functioning behaviors. The global executive composite (GEC), behavior regulatory index (BRI), and metacognitive index (MI) T-scores were used, with higher scores reflecting poorer executive functioning. T-scores were normalized to 50 with a standard deviation of 10.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Methylphenidate
n=20 Participants
For the first week, participants received the low-dose Methylphenidate condition (Concerta® over-encapsulated). Over the subsequent 3 weeks, the dose was titrated based on medication response and side effects to determine the optimal dose used for week 4. The weekly dosages were low, medium, and high based on weight cut-offs. Participants weighing less than 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 27mg (medium), and 36mg (high) dosages and participants weighing above 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 36mg (medium), and 54mg (high) dosages during the 3-week upward titration trial.
Placebo
n=20 Participants
For the first week, participants received the low-dose Placebo condition (white powder pills). Over the subsequent 3 weeks, the dose was titrated based on medication response and side effects to determine the optimal dose used for week 4. The weekly dosages were low, medium, and high based on weight cut-offs. Participants weighing less than 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 27mg (medium), and 36mg (high) dosages and participants weighing above 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 36mg (medium), and 54mg (high) dosages during the 3-week upward titration trial.
Parent Outcome-Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF)
BRIEF GEC-Overall
60.05 score on a scale
Standard Error 1.30
65.20 score on a scale
Standard Error 1.30
Parent Outcome-Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF)
BRIEF BRI-Overall
54.30 score on a scale
Standard Error 1.33
58.00 score on a scale
Standard Error 1.33
Parent Outcome-Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF)
BRIEF MI-Overall
62.40 score on a scale
Standard Error 1.52
67.75 score on a scale
Standard Error 1.52

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Reported at End of Methylphenidate Arm (Week 4 or 8)

Population: All participants who completed outcome data and full cross-over intervention

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 4th Edition Processing Speed Index (WISC-IV-PSI) has been designed for children 6-16:11 years of age and provides a measure of processing speed. For this index scale, the average score is 100 with a standard deviation of 15. Higher scores reflect better processing speed. One participant was administered the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale 4th Edition Processing Speed Index (WAIS-IV-PSI). All scores were included in the combined WISC/WAIS processing speed variable since both measures yield highly correlated standard scores.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Methylphenidate
n=20 Participants
For the first week, participants received the low-dose Methylphenidate condition (Concerta® over-encapsulated). Over the subsequent 3 weeks, the dose was titrated based on medication response and side effects to determine the optimal dose used for week 4. The weekly dosages were low, medium, and high based on weight cut-offs. Participants weighing less than 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 27mg (medium), and 36mg (high) dosages and participants weighing above 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 36mg (medium), and 54mg (high) dosages during the 3-week upward titration trial.
Placebo
n=20 Participants
For the first week, participants received the low-dose Placebo condition (white powder pills). Over the subsequent 3 weeks, the dose was titrated based on medication response and side effects to determine the optimal dose used for week 4. The weekly dosages were low, medium, and high based on weight cut-offs. Participants weighing less than 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 27mg (medium), and 36mg (high) dosages and participants weighing above 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 36mg (medium), and 54mg (high) dosages during the 3-week upward titration trial.
Neuropsychological Outcome- Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 4th Edition Processing Speed Index (WISC-IV-PSI)
96.05 score on a scale
Standard Error 2.24
91.25 score on a scale
Standard Error 2.24

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: January 1, 2014 - July 20, 2017

Population: Challenges with engaging teachers made it difficult to collect teacher outcome measures.

Used to assess child behavior.

Outcome measures

Outcome data not reported

Adverse Events

Methylphenidate

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Placebo

Serious events: 1 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Serious adverse events
Measure
Methylphenidate
n=20 participants at risk
For the first week, participants received the low-dose Methylphenidate condition (Concerta® over-encapsulated). Over the subsequent 3 weeks, the dose was titrated based on medication response and side effects to determine the optimal dose used for week 4. The weekly dosages were low, medium, and high based on weight cut-offs. Participants weighing less than 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 27mg (medium), and 36mg (high) dosages and participants weighing above 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 36mg (medium), and 54mg (high) dosages during the 3-week upward titration trial.
Placebo
n=20 participants at risk
For the first week, participants received the low-dose Placebo condition (white powder pills). Over the subsequent 3 weeks, the dose was titrated based on medication response and side effects to determine the optimal dose used for week 4. The weekly dosages were low, medium, and high based on weight cut-offs. Participants weighing less than 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 27mg (medium), and 36mg (high) dosages and participants weighing above 25kg will receive 18mg (low), 36mg (medium), and 54mg (high) dosages during the 3-week upward titration trial.
Psychiatric disorders
Suicidal Ideation
0.00%
0/20 • Weeks 1-8
5.0%
1/20 • Number of events 1 • Weeks 1-8

Other adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Additional Information

Brad Kurowski, MD, MS

Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati

Phone: 513-803-3655

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place