Changes of urine dihydroxyphenylglycol to norepinephrine ratio in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treated with atomoxetine

J Child Neurol. 2011 Jan;26(1):31-6. doi: 10.1177/0883073810371981. Epub 2010 Jun 4.

Abstract

This study investigated changes in the urine dihydroxyphenylglycol to norepinephrine ratio in patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treated with atomoxetine. The possible relationship with clinical response was also explored. Newly ADHD diagnosed, treatment-naïve children or adolescents were double-blindly randomized (2:1) to atomoxetine (n = 28) or placebo (n = 13). The dihydroxyphenylglycol to norepinephrine ratio decreased in both groups, showing significantly greater changes with atomoxetine than with placebo at week 6 (-42% versus -14%; P = .001), when dosed at 1.2 mg/kg/day, than at week 2 (-20% versus -2%; P = .118) with a dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day. Although the significant dihydroxyphenylglycol to norepinephrine ratio decrease with atomoxetine indicated norepinephrine transporter blockade, no association with ADHD clinical response (ADHD Rating Scale-IV-Parent:Investigator) was found. Therefore, dihydroxyphenylglycol to norepinephrine ratio might be a useful pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic biomarker, although not sufficiently sensitive to predict clinical efficacy. It remains a possibility that this ratio might have value to facilitate personalized atomoxetine pharmacotherapy in ADHD patients.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Atomoxetine Hydrochloride
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / drug therapy*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / urine*
  • Child
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol / analogs & derivatives*
  • Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol / urine
  • Norepinephrine / urine*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Propylamines / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors
  • Propylamines
  • Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol
  • Atomoxetine Hydrochloride
  • 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol
  • Norepinephrine