Hi
Another possible example of the importance of research for
practice. However, I must qualify that by noting that I am not
familiar with research in this area and the sample appears pretty
small.
Best wishes
Jim
Study: Drug May Hurt Syndrome Kids
By LINDSEY TANNER, AP Medical Writer
CHICAGO (AP) - One of the first studies of a so-called ``smart drug''
for Down syndrome suggests it does not boost children's intellectual
ability, despite testimonials on television and the Internet.
In fact, the drug, called piracetam, had side effects such as
aggression, irritability, and poor sleep in some of the youngsters.
Piracetam, though legal, is not approved for any use in the United States.
``We did not identify even a single case that would suggest the
possibility that piracetam therapy generally improved cognition,''
researchers said in the study, which appears in April's Archives of
Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.
The study of 18 children ages 6 through 12 found no significant
difference in mental function between those who took the drug and
those who were given placebo pills.
Each child received four months of piracetam and four months of placebos.
Though parents of 11 children thought they seemed brighter or more
focused on piracetam, intelligence tests showed no improvement
compared with the placebo. The behavioral side effects in seven
children suggested the drug has a stimulant effect, the researchers
said.
Dr. Nancy Lobaugh of the University of Toronto, who led the study,
said some parents might mistake that effect - like being ``wired'' on
coffee - with improved mental function.
Her study follows numerous TV reports and Internet testimonials
touting the benefits of piracetam for children with Down syndrome, a
chromosomal abnormality that is a common cause of mental retardation.
While the severity of Down syndrome varies, such children can learn
and progress as they mature. Critics of piracetam say some parents
are mistakenly crediting the drug for normal developmental changes.
The study ``should temper our enthusiasm for piracetam markedly,''
said Dr. Chris Feudtner of the University of Washington's Child
Health Institute. In an accompanying editorial, Feudtner said the
results illustrate the difficulty of ``sorting good ideas from bad
ones'' in the Internet age.
Piracetam (pronounced pur-AHS-uh-tam) is in a class of drugs called
nootropics that are purported to improve cognitive function. The drug
is made by several overseas companies and has been used, mostly
abroad, for conditions such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease and
dyslexia. It has been available by prescription in some countries and
is sold by mail-order and over the Internet.
The National Down Syndrome Society and National Down Syndrome
Congress do not recommend piracetam, given the lack of research on
its effects.
Suzan Leake, associate director of medical affairs for UCB Pharma, a
Belgian maker of piracetam, said the company hopes to begin U.S.
studies this year on piracetam's use in treating a muscle disorder
called myoclonus. Leake declined to say whether the company believes
piracetam can help children with Down syndrome.
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On the Net:
Archives: http://jama.ama-assn.org
National Down Syndrome Congress: http://www.ndsccenter.org
