To explore correlations of outcomes in children and adolescents with ADHD transitioning from IR MPH onto OROS MPH.

Post hoc analyses of a 12 week open label trial in patients (6-18 yrs) with a diagnosis of ADHD (ICD-10) transitioning from IR MPH onto OROS MPH. Assessments included Conners parents rating scale, children's global assessment scale and quality of life (ILC; LK0-28) of patients, including self rating and parent's rating. A regression model on difference in CPRS at endpoint from baseline as dependent variable and sex, age, baseline CPRS and diagnosis as explanatory variables was performed. Relationships between ILC, CPRS and C-GAS scores were assessed by Spearman's rank correlation coefficients.

598 patients (ITT population; 84.8% boys; median 10 yrs) received a median starting and final dose of PR OROS MPH of 36 mg/day. Scores on C-GAS, CPRS, ILC (parents and patients) improved (p< 0.001). Burden of disease in care givers and children decreased (p< 0.001). Older age, poor baseline score, diagnosis of F.90.0 (hyperkinetic disorder) were associated with greater improvements on CPRS. The difference between endpoint versus baseline scores of patient's and parent's rating of patient's ILC, C-GAS and ILC (patients'rating) correlated. ILC (parents'rating) and CPRS correlated inversely (a decrease in CAARS was associated with higher scores on ILC).

Transitioning to OROS MPH was associated with improvement in daily functioning, quality of life and decreased burden of disease. Improvement in symptoms was associated with improved quality of life aspects and better social functioning.