Reactions 403 - 30 May 1992

Theophylline

Behavioural disorders in children?: clinical studyParenteral beliefs about the presence of theophylline-

associated adverse behavioural effects in asthmatic children(8-12 years old) were not supported by their own observationsin a double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

31 evaluable children with mild to moderate asthma whoseparents had observed adverse behavioural effects while thechildren were receiving theophylline participated in the trial.Children received theophylline (mean dose 15 mg/kg/day) andplacebo for 1 week each in a crossover fashion. Results werebased on tests completed by the children and behaviouralrating by parents.

Although improved attention, increased anxiety andincreased hand tremor occurred during theophylline therapy,tests for impulsivity, movement, memory, depression andproblem behaviours were not significantly different fromplacebo. Parents detected no between-treatment differencesin 6/9 scores of psychological evaluation.

Author comment: ‘Our results do not support studies andsurveys that attribute marked behavioural side effects totheophylline therapy.’Bender B, et al. Theophylline-induced behavior change in children. An objectiveevaluation of parents’ perceptions. JAMA: the Journal of the American MedicalAssociation 267: 2621-2624, 20 May 1992 - USA 800139070

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Reactions 30 May 1992 No. 4030114-9954/10/0403-0001/$14.95 Adis © 2010 Springer International Publishing AG. All rights reserved