General Anesthesia in a Juvenile With Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Accompanied by Long-term Use of Methylphenidate (Concerta®)

• Published in: Acta anaesthesiologica Taiwanica 2009-12, Vol.47 (4), p.208-211
• Main Authors: Chang, Cheng-Hsi, Yang, Cheng-Fan, Huang, Ying-Che, Tang, Gau-Jun, Chan, Kwok-Han, Ting, Chien-Kun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anesthesia, General; attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - drug therapy; Central Nervous System Stimulants - therapeutic use; Drug Interactions; Humans; Male; methylphenidate; Methylphenidate - therapeutic use; Middle Aged
• ISSN: 1875-4597; 1875-452X
• DOI: 10.1016/S1875-4597(09)60057-6

Methylphenidate, a central stimulant, is used in the treatment of individuals who have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a notorious worldwide disorder with a prevalence rate of 8 – 12% in schoolchildren, which is characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Currently, there have been few reports in the anesthetic literature examining ADHD patients who have had long-term use of methylphenidate, especially the extended-release formulation. Here, we report a case of a 14-year-old boy with ADHD treated chronically with the long-acting form of methylphenidate (Concerta®), and who was scheduled to receive orthopedic surgery under general anesthesia. No significant problems or fluctuations in hemodynamics were encountered during anesthesia induction, maintenance, and emergence. The patient made an uncomplicated recovery and was discharged 3 days later without incident.