Weight Gain and Metabolic Consequences of Risperidone in Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

We examine weight gain and metabolic consequences of risperidone monotherapy in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Method

This was a 24-week, multisite, randomized trial of risperidone only versus risperidone plus parent training in 124 children (mean age 6.9 ± 2.35 years; 105 boys and 19 girls) with ASD and serious behavioral problems. We monitored height, weight, waist circumference, and adverse effects during the trial. Fasting blood samples were obtained before treatment and at week 16.

Results

In 97 children with a mean of 22.9 ± 2.8 weeks of risperidone exposure, there was a 5.4 ± 3.4 kg weight gain over 24 weeks (p < .0001); waist circumference increased from 60.7 ± 10.4 cm to 66.8 ± 11.3 cm (p < .0001). At baseline, 59 of 97 children (60.8

SUBMITTER: Scahill L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4851735 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature