Sudden Unexplained Death and Stimulant Medications: The Controversy Continues

Results of a retrospective case-control study support an association between stimulant use and sudden unexplained death.

Controversy continues about the safety of stimulant medications and the need for electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring before stimulants are prescribed to children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Apr 30 2008). The AAP states that no compelling evidence supports the risk for sudden death in children who receive stimulants. Instead of ECG monitoring before prescribing stimulants, the AAP recommends clinical and physical evaluation and careful personal and family history of cardiac abnormalities. Children determined to be at risk based on this assessment should undergo ECG testing and possibly cardiology consultation.

In a retrospective, case-control study, investigators used national mortality data (1985–1996…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics