Piracetam therapy does not enhance cognitive functioning in children with down syndrome.
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med
; 155(4): 442-8, 2001 Apr.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-11296070
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Piracetam is widely used as a purported means of improving cognitive function in children with Down syndrome. Its efficacy, however, has not been rigorously assessed.OBJECTIVE:
To determine whether 4 months of piracetam therapy (80-100 mg/kg per day) enhances cognitive function in children with Down syndrome.DESIGN:
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. PARTICIPANTS ANDMETHODS:
Twenty-five children with Down syndrome (aged 6.5-13 years) and their caregivers participated. After undergoing a baseline cognitive assessment, children were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups piracetam-placebo or placebo-piracetam. MAIN OUTCOMEMEASURE:
The difference in performance while taking piracetam vs while taking placebo on tests assessing a wide range of cognitive functions, including attention, learning, and memory.RESULTS:
Eighteen children completed the study, 4 withdrew, and 3 were excluded at baseline. Piracetam therapy did not significantly improve cognitive performance over placebo use but was associated with central nervous system stimulatory effects in 7 children aggressiveness (n = 4), agitation or irritability (n = 2), sexual arousal (n = 2), poor sleep (n = 1), and decreased appetite (n = 1).CONCLUSION:
Piracetam therapy did not enhance cognition or behavior but was associated with adverse effects.
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Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Piracetam
/
Síndrome de Down
/
Cognición
/
Nootrópicos
/
Discapacidad Intelectual
Tipo de estudio:
Clinical_trials
/
Etiology_studies
Límite:
Adolescent
/
Child
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med
Asunto de la revista:
PEDIATRIA
Año:
2001
Tipo del documento:
Article