Human Rickettsia sibirica mongolitimonae Infection, Spain

Objective: To describe the methylphenidate (MPH) effects on weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) in a Spanish sample diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: Patients (6–18 years) diagnosed with ADHD treated at our Unit with MPH in the last 10 years were included in an observational longitudinal study. Weight, height, and BMI Z scores were measured at baseline and at last follow-up. Results: Three hundred forty-two patients (mean [standard deviation] age: 10.7 [3.8] years, 80% males) were included. Mean dose was 1.25 (0.40) mg/(kg·d). After 27 (14–41) months taking MPH, weight and BMI standard deviation score (SDS) were reduced by treatment (baseline weight-SDS: 0.34 [1.22], follow-up weight-SDS: −0.06 [1.38], t-test p < 0.001; baseline BMI-SDS: 0.35 [1.10], and follow-up BMI-SDS [SDS]: −0.23 [1.08], t-test p < 0.001). In the whole sample, no differences in height before and after treatment were observed. However, considering only the group of patients who were children 6–12 years (68.6%) when starting treatment, height was slightly affected (baseline height-SDS: 0.04 [1.14], follow-up: −0.10 [1.11], p < 0.001). This effect was not observed if treatment was started during adolescence. Linear regression analysis showed that age starting MPH (B = 0.07, p = 0.003), dose (B = −0.50, p = 0.001), and duration of treatment (B = 0.07, p = 0.031) affect follow-up height. Conclusion: MPH slightly decreased weight and BMI in this group of ADHD patients followed naturalistically over 2.2 years, and slightly affected height only if treatment was started before the age of 12. Girls, children who started treatment being younger or children on higher MPH doses, showed greater impact in height.

The purpose of this study is to validate a Spanish-language version of the 18-item ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS-IV.es) in a Spanish sample. From a total sample of 652 children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years (mean age was 11.14±3.27), we included 518 who met the DSM-IV-TR criteria for ADHD and 134 healthy controls. To evaluate the factorial structure, validity, and reliability of the scale, we performed a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using structural equation modelling on a polychoric correlation matrix and maximum likelihood estimation. The scale's discriminant validity and predictive value were estimated using ROC (receiver operating characteristics) curve analysis. Both the full scale and the subscales of the Spanish-language version of the ADHD-RS-IV showed good internal consistency. Cronbach's alpha was 0.94 for the full scale and ≥ 0.90 for the subscales, and ordinal alpha was 0.95 and ≥ 0.90, respectively. CFA showed that a two-factor model (inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity) provided the best fit for the data. ADHD-RS-IV.es offered good discriminant ability to distinguish between patients with ADHD and controls (AUC=0.97). The two-factor structure of the Spanish-language version of the ADHD-RS-IV (ADHD-RS-IV.es) is consistent with those of the DSM-IV-TR and DSM-5 as well as with the model proposed by the author of the original scale. Furthermore, it has good discriminant ability. ADHD-RS-IV.es is therefore a valid and reliable tool for determining presence and severity of ADHD symptoms in the Spanish population.