For Release April 28, 2001
COLUMBUS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL RELEASES FINDINGS
SHOWING CHILDREN WITH ADHD ARE AT INCREASED RISK OF SERIOUS TRAUMA
Researcher Asserts that Interventions Aimed at Injury
Prevention Are Needed
BALTIMORE, APRIL 28, 2001 --- A study at Children's Hospital of Columbus found that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at increased risk of serious trauma. Researcher Daniel L. Coury, M.D., of Columbus Children's Hospital, conducted a study that examined whether or not the diagnosis of ADHD predisposes children to increased risk of serious trauma and if the types of trauma encountered differ from non-ADHD children. These findings were presented Saturday, April 28 at the 2001 Pediatric Academic Societies' annual meeting.
"Overall, we found that children with ADHD had an increased incidence of serious trauma," explained Dr. Coury. "We hypothesized that the child's level of activity (e.g., riding a bike rather than riding as a passenger in a car) would cause them to be at increased risk for serious trauma. However, our data did not support this assumption."
According to Dr. Coury, the study supports the need to treat children with ADHD using interventions aimed at lessening their risk for injury, such as injury prevention counseling. Dr. Coury, who has worked with children with ADHD for 20 years, plans to expand the study to determine how many of the injuries occurred among children being treated with medication for ADHD.
"If a large percentage of the children who experienced injuries weren't being treated with medications, it may be an indication that medication could be used to lessen the risk of injury," added Dr. Coury.
Dr. Coury serves on the Development and Behavioral Pediatrics sub-board of the American Board of Pediatrics. He has conducted several studies and clinical trials regarding ADHD.
Columbus Children's Hospital ranks among the top 10 in NIH research awards and grants to freestanding children's hospitals in the country. With nearly 500,000 patient visits each year, Children's Hospital is a 107-year-old pediatric healthcare network treating newborns through age 21. In 2000, the Children's Research Institute conducted more than 90 research projects. Pediatric Clinical Trials International (PCTI), a site management organization affiliated with the hospital, also coordinated 43 clinical trials. In addition to having one of the largest ambulatory programs in the country, Children's offers specialty programs and services, including more than 18 support groups. Each year, more than 75,000 consumers receive health and wellness education and 2,500 students from 50 institutions and 500 residents receive training at Children's. More information on Children's Hospital of Columbus is available by calling (614) 722-KIDS (5437) or through the hospital's Web site at http://www.childrenscolumbus.org.
RSS