In this study the authors aimed to investigate the choroidal vascular index (CVI) in treatment-free children with ADHD, children regularly taking methylphenidate (MPH) and healthy controls. This was a prospective cross-sectional study of 52 patients with newly diagnosed ADHD, 46 with ADHD and MPH treatment and 69 controls. Groups were similar for age and gender, for visual acuity and intraocular pressure. Mean duration of MPH treatment was 10 ±2.7 years. There was a significant difference between groups for CVI and stromal area. Choroidal vascular index was lower in the MPH group than the ADHD and control groups. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and controls were not different for CVI or stromal area. There was a significantly moderate negative correlation between CVI and treatment. The authors suggest the cumulative accumulation of MPH may affect retinal and choroidal blood flow and suggest vasoconstriction associated with choroidal hypoxia due to treatment with MPH for changes in choroidal tissue. However, no differences were found for choroidal thickness measurements. The decrease in CVI becomes more evident with increasing duration of treatment.
MPH treatment effect in ADHD on choroidal vascular index
Reviewed by Fiona Rowe
Choroidal vascular index in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and methylphenidate.
CONTRIBUTOR
Fiona Rowe (Prof)
Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, UK.
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