Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children, with global prevalence estimated at 5–7%. In Qatar, recent data indicate a significantly higher prevalence, exceeding 18% in school-aged children. Pharmacologic management, particularly with stimulant medications such as methylphenidate, is the mainstay of treatment.While highly effective in improving ADHD symptoms, concerns remain regarding their potential impact on the cardiovascular system, physical growth, and underlying nutritional deficiencies, including anemia and vitamin D deficiency. However, concerns persist regarding its possible effects on physical growth, cardiovascular health, and nutritional status.This study aims to evaluate these aspects in children undergoing methylphenidate therapy.Method: This work integrates findings from three retrospective observational studies conducted at Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar. 227 children aged 5–21 years were included in the cardiovascular cohort, where baseline and follow-up heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were reviewed from electronic medical records.Growth patterns were evaluated in a group of 53 children with ADHD, where height-for-age (Ht-SDS) and body mass index (BMI-SDS) were tracked over two years of methylphenidate treatment. Nutritional assessment included 402 children, where laboratory values for hemoglobin (Hgb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red cell distribution width (RDW), and serum vitamin D levels were analyzed [Table 1].Results:· Cardiovascular: A slight, non-significant increase in HR was observed, with 30.4% of patients showing a median HR increase of 5 bpm by the second follow-up. BP remained stable throughout the study period [Table 1].· Growth: No significant changes in Ht-SDS or BMI-SDS were noted over the two-year follow-up. The percentage of obese children decreased from 30% to 26% [Table 1].· Nutritional Status: Laboratory findings revealed that 37.8% had low Hgb, 52.7% had low MCV, 43.3% had elevated RDW, and 58% had low vitamin D levels [Table 2].Conclusion: Methylphenidate therapy in children with ADHD was associated with minimal changes in cardiovascular parameters and no significant impact on growth over two years. However, a substantial proportion exhibited nutritional deficiencies, highlighting the need for routine screening and management of nutritional status in this population.
