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Methylphenidate in children with hyperactivity: review and cost–utility analysis
Author(s) -
Gilmore Anna,
Milne Ruairidh
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.023
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1099-1557
pISSN - 1053-8569
DOI - 10.1002/pds.564
Subject(s) - methylphenidate , medicine , quality adjusted life year , placebo , cost–utility analysis , quality of life (healthcare) , randomized controlled trial , pediatrics , cost effectiveness , attention deficit hyperactivity disorder , psychiatry , alternative medicine , surgery , risk analysis (engineering) , nursing , pathology
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of methylphenidate in the treatment of children with hyperkinetic disorder as defined using ICD‐10 criteria. Design Comprehensive literature review and cost utility analysis comparing methylphenidate treatment with placebo. Costs and effects were estimated from a NHS perspective according to the methodology developed by the previous South and West Development and Evaluation Committee. The number of Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) gained was estimated by using the Index of Health Related Quality of Life to model treatment effects. Results Evidence from good and medium quality randomized controlled trials shows benefits of methylphenidate over weeks and months respectively. Evidence beyond 6 months is poorer and it is uncertain whether effects of methylphenidate persist into adolescence and adulthood. Methylphenidate is of reasonable cost‐effectiveness when considering short‐ and medium‐ term benefits with an estimated cost per QALY of £7400 to £9200 at 1997 prices. Conclusions Short‐term treatment of hyperkinetic children with methylphenidate is effective and cost effective. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.