Psychoactive medication use and neurocognitive function in adult survivors of childhood cancer: A report from the childhood cancer survivor study
Pediatric Blood & Cancer, 08/08/2012
Clinical Article
Brinkman TM et al. – The findings suggest that specific psychoactive medications and/or mental health conditions may be associated with neurocognitive function in adult survivors of childhood cancer. The extent to which these associations are causal or indicative of underlying neurological impairment for which the medications are prescribed remains to be ascertained.
Methods- Outcomes were evaluated in 7,080 adult survivors from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) using a validated self–report Neurocognitive Questionnaire.
- Multivariable logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for neurocognitive impairment using demographic and treatment factors and survivors' report of prescription medication use.
- Controlling for cranial radiation, pain, psychological distress, and stroke/seizure, use of antidepressant medications was associated with impaired task efficiency (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.47–2.21), organization (OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.48–2.25), memory (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.27–1.84), and emotional regulation (OR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.70–2.51).
- Neuroleptics and stimulants were associated with impaired task efficiency (OR = 2.46, 95% CI = 1.29–4.69; OR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.61–4.93, respectively) and memory (OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.13–3.82; OR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.59–4.54, respectively).
- Anticonvulsants were associated with impaired task efficiency, memory, and emotional regulation, although survivors who use these medications may be at risk for neurocognitive impairment on the basis of seizure disorder and/or underlying tumor location (CNS).
