Increase Medication use in Kids
In another study recently released in the October 31 online Pediatrics, they show the number of US children using medications for chronic illnesses increased between 2002 and 2005
Investigators looked at prescription claims data from 2002 to 2005 for a nationally representative sample of more than 3.5 million children ages 5 to 19.
Antihypertensives, antihyperlipidemics, type 2 antidiabetics, antidepressants, attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications, and asthma-controller therapy were evaluated.
The results showed that the prevalence rate for type 2 antidiabetic agents doubled, with a 166% increase in prevalence among females ages 10 to 14, and a 135% increase among females ages 15 to 19.
Asthma medications (46.5%), ADD and ADHD medications (40.4%), and antihyperlipidemics (15%) all increased in prevalence as well, while antihypertensives and antidepressants increased at a relatively lower rate (1.8%).
The study authors commented the additional research is needed to investigate the possible factors involved in the increase in medication use. They specifically cited factors such as chronic disease risk factors growth, greater awareness and screening, and greater use of early treatment. What they failed to mention was another possibility; overuse and over-diagnosis of some of these conditions.
Certainly the single prevailing factor that contributes to many of these issues is the rising obesity problems in the United States.
Investigators looked at prescription claims data from 2002 to 2005 for a nationally representative sample of more than 3.5 million children ages 5 to 19.
Antihypertensives, antihyperlipidemics, type 2 antidiabetics, antidepressants, attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications, and asthma-controller therapy were evaluated.
The results showed that the prevalence rate for type 2 antidiabetic agents doubled, with a 166% increase in prevalence among females ages 10 to 14, and a 135% increase among females ages 15 to 19.
Asthma medications (46.5%), ADD and ADHD medications (40.4%), and antihyperlipidemics (15%) all increased in prevalence as well, while antihypertensives and antidepressants increased at a relatively lower rate (1.8%).
The study authors commented the additional research is needed to investigate the possible factors involved in the increase in medication use. They specifically cited factors such as chronic disease risk factors growth, greater awareness and screening, and greater use of early treatment. What they failed to mention was another possibility; overuse and over-diagnosis of some of these conditions.
Certainly the single prevailing factor that contributes to many of these issues is the rising obesity problems in the United States.
Labels: kids, medication, study
posted by Anonymous at 5:51 AM
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