Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)-Related Attention Deficits in Children

Phase 4

Completed

Conditions: Traumatic Brain Injury
Attention Deficit Disorder

Interventions: Drug: Placebo
Drug: Lisdexamfetamine

Registration Number: NCT02712996

Lead Sponsor: Vanderbilt University

Brief Summary: The purpose of this research study is to evaluate whether Vyvanse, a psychostimulant, can help children ages 6-16 with attention deficits due to traumatic brain injury (TBI). Vyvanse is currently approved for the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity (ADHD). The exact effects this drug may have on adults with attention deficits caused by TBI have been investigated prior. The exact effects this drug may have on children with attention deficits caused by TBI are not known, but the investigators expect that Vyvanse will be of some help in treating this population as well.

Detailed Description: Symptoms of inattentiveness, impulsivity, and poor persistence have been observed in children following traumatic brain injury (TBI). These often are among the most prominent symptoms manifested and may contribute to interference in a variety of other functional domains. Although there has been some use of psychostimulant medication to treat TBI-acquired attention deficits, it remains a relatively uncommon clinical practice. This study, by highlighting mechanisms of action, could serve to promote the appropriate use of this type of treatment for the patients.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status: COMPLETED

Sex: All

Target Recruitment: 20

Inclusion Criteria

Males and females ages 6 to 16
Traumatic brain injury rated as mild/moderate/severe (based on Glasgow Coma Scale, estimated posttraumatic amnesia, indications of intracranial injury on CT scan, etc.)
Sustained 2-36 months earlier
Considered to be neurologically stable (absence of post-acute symptoms of confusion, disorientation, etc.)
Persistent (> 2 months) problems with focused or sustained attention
Problems with attention/concentration rated as among the most prominent cognitive changes
Accompanying features may include diminished arousal/speed/stamina and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms.

Exclusion Criteria

Cases with primarily penetrating head trauma
Pre-injury history of diagnosed ADHD
Pre-injury history of other neurodevelopmental disorders including intellectual disabilities, major communication disorders, autism spectrum disorder
Unstable or serious psychiatric conditions, such as psychotic symptoms. Concurrent problems with depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder may be present but are judged to be stable and not so severe as to require pharmacologic treatment
Treatment with psychotropic medication(s), including psychostimulant(s) within the last 6 months, but eligible thereafter
Lifetime history of stimulant abuse or dependence. Other (non-stimulant) substance abuse within the past 6 months.
Tics or other contraindications for psychostimulant use including cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension or hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, agitation, use of an monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor within the past six weeks. Pregnancy would also be an exclusion for girls of childbearing age.
Estimated intelligence quotient (IQ) < 70
Sensory and/or motor impairment(s) seriously limiting testing options
Neurological conditions including uncontrolled epilepsy, degenerative disorders, brain tumor, or stroke
Physical condition affecting arousal, activity level, or stamina including uncontrolled thyroid dysfunction, severe or symptomatic anemia, autoimmune or metabolic disorders, untreated moderate/severe sleep apnea, etc.

Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL

Study Design: CROSSOVER

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Placebo	Placebo	Placebo capsule, 20-70 mg, each morning for 6 weeks.
Vyvanse	Lisdexamfetamine	Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) capsule, 20-70 mg, each morning for 6 weeks.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Assessing Inhibitory Control in Children When Using Vyvanse Versus Placebo Utilizing the Inhibit Subscale on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) - PARENTS	12 weeks	The BRIEF Parent Questionnaire is a validated 86-item questionnaire composed of 8 clinical scales that measure different aspects of executive functioning (Initiate, Working Memory, Plan/Organize, Organization of Materials, Monitor, Inhibit, Shift, Emotional Control). For each item, parents rate whether the child engages in the behavior "never" (=1), "sometimes" (=2), or "often" (=3). The lowest scale score is 86 (better performance) and the highest is 258 (worse performance). The clinical scales form two broader Indexes (Behavioral Regulation and Metacognition) and an overall score, the Global Executive Composite (GEC). Inhibit was reported as the Primary Outcome. Raw scores were converted to z-scores (M=0, SD=+/-1).
Assessing Representational Memory in Children When Using Vyvanse Versus Placebo by Utilizing the Working Memory Subscale on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) - PARENTS	12 weeks	The BRIEF Parent Questionnaire is a validated 86-item questionnaire composed of 8 clinical scales that measure different aspects of executive functioning (Initiate, Working Memory, Plan/Organize, Organization of Materials, Monitor, Inhibit, Shift, Emotional Control). For each item, parents rate whether the child engages in the behavior "never" (=1), "sometimes" (=2), or "often" (=3). The lowest scale score is 86 (better performance) and the highest is 258 (worse performance). The clinical scales form two broader Indexes (Behavioral Regulation and Metacognition) and an overall score, the Global Executive Composite (GEC). Working Memory was reported as the Primary Outcome. Raw scores were converted to z-scores (M=0, SD=+/-1).
Assessing Cognitive Regulation in Children When Using Vyvanse Versus Placebo by Measuring the Cognitive Regulation Index (CRI) on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) - PARENTS	12 weeks	The BRIEF Parent Questionnaire is a validated 86-item questionnaire composed of 8 clinical scales that measure different aspects of executive functioning (Initiate, Working Memory, Plan/Organize, Organization of Materials, Monitor, Inhibit, Shift, Emotional Control). For each item, parents rate whether the child engages in the behavior "never" (=1), "sometimes" (=2), or "often" (=3). The lowest scale score is 86 (better performance) and the highest is 258 (worse performance). The clinical scales form two broader Indexes (Behavioral Regulation and Metacognition) and an overall score, the Global Executive Composite (GEC). Cognitive Regulation was reported as the Primary Outcome. Raw scores were converted to z-scores (M=0, SD=+/-1).
Assessing Inattentiveness in Children Using Vyvanse Versus Placebo by Measuring Omissions on the Conners Continuous Performance Task (CPT-II).	12 weeks	Conner's Continuous Performance Task (CPT-II) measures sustained attention and response inhibition. During the CPT-II, letters were presented serially on a screen in a random order. All letters were considered target stimuli, except for the letter 'X' which is a non-target stimulus. Participants responded to target stimuli by pressing the space bar of a computer keyboard (90% of the stimuli) while withholding responses to non-target stimuli (10% of the test). Omission errors represented the number of times a participant fails to respond to target letters (all other than 'X'). Raw scores were converted to z-scores (M=0, SD=+/-1). Higher scores indicate greater inattentiveness.
Assessing Physical Symptoms in Children Using Vyvanse Versus Placebo by Measuring Anxiety on the Revised Child Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS)	12 weeks	RCMAS is a self-report, 37-item questionnaire in which children agree (yes = 1) or disagree (no =0) to statements about themselves. A Total Anxiety score is computed based on 28 items, which are divided into 3 anxiety subscales: physiological anxiety (10 items), worry/oversensitivity (11 items), and social concerns/concentration (7 items). The remaining nine items on the RCMAS constitute the Lie (social desirability) subscale. The lowest scale score is 0 and the highest is 37. Raw scores were converted to z-scores (M=0, SD=+/-1). Because scores are derived from affirmative responses, a high score indicates a high level of anxiety or lie on that subscale.
Assessing Anxiety-Depression Problems in Children Using Vyvanse Versus Placebo by Measuring Symptoms on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)	12 weeks	The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) is a widely used caregiver report form identifying problem behavior in children. The patient is rated on 113 items scored on a 3-point Likert scale (0=not true; 1=somewhat/sometimes true; 2=very true/often true). CBCL consists of eight empirically-based syndrome subscales. The range of subscale scores (summed) are: Aggressive Behavior (0-36), Anxious/Depressed (0-26), Attention Problems (0-20), Rule-Breaking Behavior (0-34), Somatic Complaints (0-22), Social Problems (0-22), Thought Problems (0-30), and Withdrawn/Depressed (0-16). Raw scores were converted to z-scores (M=0, SD=+/-1). Higher scores indicate more severe symptoms.
Assessing Severity of Symptoms Associated With Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children When Using Vyvanse Versus Placebo by Administering the Conners-3 Parent Form	12 weeks	The Conners-3 Parent Form is used to obtain the parent's observations about behavior in their child aged 6 to 18 years old. Parents rate the child's behavior on 45 items as not true at all (0) to very much true (3). The lowest scale score is 0 (better behavior) and the highest is 135 (worse behavior). The Conners 3-P includes content Scales of Inattention, Hyperactivity/Impulsivity, Learning Problems, Executive Functioning, Aggression, and Peer/Family Relations. Inattention scale was reported as the Primary Outcome. All scores were converted to z-scores (M=0, SD=+/-1).
Assessing Emotion Regulation in Children When Using Vyvanse Versus Placebo by Measuring the Emotion Regulation Index (ERI) on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) - PARENTS	12 weeks	The BRIEF Parent Questionnaire is a validated 86-item questionnaire composed of 8 clinical scales that measure different aspects of executive functioning (Initiate, Working Memory, Plan/Organize, Organization of Materials, Monitor, Inhibit, Shift, Emotional Control). For each item, parents rate whether the child engages in the behavior "never" (=1), "sometimes" (=2), or "often" (=3). The lowest scale score is 86 (better performance) and the highest is 258 (worse performance). The clinical scales form two broader Indexes (Behavioral Regulation and Metacognition) and an overall score, the Global Executive Composite (GEC). Emotion regulation was reported as the Primary Outcome. Raw scores were converted to z-scores (M=0, SD=+/-1).
Assessing Executive Functioning in Children When Using Vyvanse Versus Placebo by Administering the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) - PARENT	12 weeks	The BRIEF Parent Questionnaire is a validated 86-item questionnaire composed of 8 clinical scales that measure different aspects of executive functioning (Initiate, Working Memory, Plan/Organize, Organization of Materials, Monitor, Inhibit, Shift, Emotional Control). For each item, parents rate whether the child engages in the behavior "never" (=1), "sometimes" (=2), or "often" (=3). The lowest scale score is 86 (better performance) and the highest is 258 (worse performance). The clinical scales form two broader Indexes (Behavioral Regulation and Metacognition) and an overall score, the Global Executive Composite (GEC). GEC was reported as the Primary Outcome. Raw scores were converted to z-scores (M=0, SD=+/-1).
Assessing Total Symptoms in Children Using Vyvanse Versus Placebo by Measuring Anxiety on the Revised Child Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS)	12 weeks	RCMAS is a self-report, 37-item questionnaire in which children agree (yes = 1) or disagree (no =0) to statements about themselves. A Total Anxiety score is computed based on 28 items, which are divided into 3 anxiety subscales: physiological anxiety (10 items), worry/oversensitivity (11 items), and social concerns/concentration (7 items). The remaining nine items on the RCMAS constitute the Lie (social desirability) subscale. The lowest scale score is 0 and the highest is 37. Raw scores were converted to z-scores (M=0, SD=+/-1). Because scores are derived from affirmative responses, a high score indicates a high level of anxiety or lie on that subscale.
Assessing Attention Problems in Children Using Vyvanse Versus Placebo by Measuring Symptoms on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)	12 weeks	The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) is a widely used caregiver report form identifying problem behavior in children. The patient is rated on 113 items scored on a 3-point Likert scale (0=not true; 1=somewhat/sometimes true; 2=very true/often true). CBCL consists of eight empirically-based syndrome subscales. The range of subscale scores (summed) are: Aggressive Behavior (0-36), Anxious/Depressed (0-26), Attention Problems (0-20), Rule-Breaking Behavior (0-34), Somatic Complaints (0-22), Social Problems (0-22), Thought Problems (0-30), and Withdrawn/Depressed (0-16). Raw scores were converted to z-scores (M=0, SD=+/-1). Higher scores indicate more severe symptoms.
Assessing Ability to Begin Tasks in Children When Using Vyvanse Versus Placebo by Utilizing the Initiate Subscale on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) - PARENTS	12 weeks	The BRIEF Parent Questionnaire is a validated 86-item questionnaire composed of 8 clinical scales that measure different aspects of executive functioning (Initiate, Working Memory, Plan/Organize, Organization of Materials, Monitor, Inhibit, Shift, Emotional Control). For each item, parents rate whether the child engages in the behavior "never" (=1), "sometimes" (=2), or "often" (=3). The lowest scale score is 86 (better performance) and the highest is 258 (worse performance). The clinical scales form two broader Indexes (Behavioral Regulation and Metacognition) and an overall score, the Global Executive Composite (GEC). Initiate was reported as the Primary Outcome. Raw scores were converted to z-scores (M=0, SD=+/-1).
Assessing Ability to Tolerate Change in Children When Using Vyvanse Versus Placebo by Utilizing the Shift Subscale on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) - PARENTS	12 weeks	The BRIEF Parent Questionnaire is a validated 86-item questionnaire composed of 8 clinical scales that measure different aspects of executive functioning (Initiate, Working Memory, Plan/Organize, Organization of Materials, Monitor, Inhibit, Shift, Emotional Control). For each item, parents rate whether the child engages in the behavior "never" (=1), "sometimes" (=2), or "often" (=3). The lowest scale score is 86 (better performance) and the highest is 258 (worse performance). The clinical scales form two broader Indexes (Behavioral Regulation and Metacognition) and an overall score, the Global Executive Composite (GEC). Shift was reported as the Primary Outcome. Raw scores were converted to z-scores (M=0, SD=+/-1).
Assessing Behavior Regulation in Children When Using Vyvanse Versus Placebo by Measuring the Behavior Regulation Index (BRI) on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) - PARENTS	12 weeks	The BRIEF Parent Questionnaire is a validated 86-item questionnaire composed of 8 clinical scales that measure different aspects of executive functioning (Initiate, Working Memory, Plan/Organize, Organization of Materials, Monitor, Inhibit, Shift, Emotional Control). For each item, parents rate whether the child engages in the behavior "never" (=1), "sometimes" (=2), or "often" (=3). The lowest scale score is 86 (better performance) and the highest is 258 (worse performance). The clinical scales form two broader Indexes (Behavioral Regulation and Metacognition) and an overall score, the Global Executive Composite (GEC). Behavior Regulation was reported as the Primary Outcome. Raw scores were converted to z-scores (M=0, SD=+/-1).
Assessing Task-oriented Monitoring in Children When Using Vyvanse Versus Placebo by Utilizing the Monitor Subscale on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) - PARENTS	12 weeks	The BRIEF Parent Questionnaire is a validated 86-item questionnaire composed of 8 clinical scales that measure different aspects of executive functioning (Initiate, Working Memory, Plan/Organize, Organization of Materials, Monitor, Inhibit, Shift, Emotional Control). For each item, parents rate whether the child engages in the behavior "never" (=1), "sometimes" (=2), or "often" (=3). The lowest scale score is 86 (better performance) and the highest is 258 (worse performance). The clinical scales form two broader Indexes (Behavioral Regulation and Metacognition) and an overall score, the Global Executive Composite (GEC). Monitor was reported as the Primary Outcome. Raw scores were converted to z-scores (M=0, SD=+/-1).
Assessing Hyperactivity in Children When Using Vyvanse Versus Placebo by Administering the Conners-3 Parent Form	12 weeks	The Conners-3 Parent Form is used to obtain the parent's observations about behavior in their child aged 6 to 18 years old. Parents rate the child's behavior on 45 items as not true at all (0) to very much true (3). The lowest scale score is 0 (better behavior) and the highest is 135 (worse behavior). The Conners 3-P includes content Scales of Inattention, Hyperactivity/Impulsivity, Learning Problems, Executive Functioning, Aggression, and Peer/Family Relations. Hyperactivity was reported as the Primary Outcome. All scores were converted to z-scores (M=0, SD=+/-1).
Assessing Executive Functioning in Children When Using Vyvanse Versus Placebo by Administering the Conners-3 Parent Form	12 weeks	The Conners-3 Parent Form is used to obtain the parent's observations about behavior in their child aged 6 to 18 years old. Parents rate the child's behavior on 45 items as not true at all (0) to very much true (3). The lowest scale score is 0 (better behavior) and the highest is 135 (worse behavior). The Conners 3-P includes content Scales of Inattention, Hyperactivity/Impulsivity, Learning Problems, Executive Functioning, Aggression, and Peer/Family Relations. Executive Functioning was reported as the Primary Outcome. All scores were converted to z-scores (M=0, SD=+/-1).Higher T-scores

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Assessing Executive Functioning in Children When Using Vyvanse Versus Placebo by Administering the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) - CHILD SELF REPORT	12 weeks	The BRIEF Self-Report Version assesses an adolescent's (ages 11-18) view of his or her cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functions. It is a validated 55-item questionnaire composed of 8 clinical scales that measure different aspects of executive functioning (Inhibit, Shift, Emotional Control, Monitor, Working Memory, Plan/Organize, Organization of Materials, and Task Completion). For each item, the child rates whether they engage in the behavior "never" (=1), "sometimes" (=2), or "often" (=3). The lowest scale score is 55 (better performance) and the highest is 165 (worse performance). The clinical scales form two broader Indexes (Behavioral Regulation and Metacognition) and an overall score, the Global Executive Composite (GEC). GEC was reported as the Primary Outcome. Raw scores were converted to z-scores (M=0, SD=+/-1).
Assessing Sustained Attention and Response Inhibition in Children Using Vyvanse Versus Placebo by Measuring RT Inter-Stimulus Interval (ISI) on the Conners Continuous Performance Task (CPT-II).	12 weeks	Conner's Continuous Performance Task (CPT-II) measure sustained attention and response inhibition. During the CPT-II, letters were presented serially on a screen in a random order. All letters were considered target stimuli, except for the letter 'X' which is a non-target stimulus. Participants responded to target stimuli by pressing the space bar of a computer keyboard (90% of the stimuli) while withholding responses to non-target stimuli (10% of the test). CPT-II Hit Reaction Time (RT) Inter-Stimulus Interval (ISI) Change assesses the ability to adapt to changing inter-stimulus intervals. Inter-stimulus intervals refers to the amount of time between presentation of stimuli. High t-scores indicate that RT increased as the ISI increased; negative values indicate that RT decreased as the ISI increased. Less Hit RT ISI Change indicates less variability in RT depending on the speed of presentation.
Assessing Sustained Attention and Response Inhibition in Children Using Vyvanse Versus Placebo by Measuring Hit Reaction Time (RT) Block Change on the Conners Continuous Performance Task (CPT-II).	12 weeks	Conner's Continuous Performance Task (CPT-II) measures sustained attention and response inhibition. During the CPT-II, letters were presented serially on a screen in a random order. All letters were considered target stimuli, except for the letter 'X' which is a non-target stimulus. Participants responded to target stimuli by pressing the space bar of a computer keyboard (90% of the stimuli) while withholding responses to non-target stimuli (10% of the test). Raw scores were converted to z-scores (M=0, SD=+/-1). Overall hit reaction time is the average speed of correct responses for the entire test. Lower values indicate that responses got quicker as the test progressed. High values indicate a substantial slowing in reaction times.
Assessing Sustained Attention and Response Inhibition in Children Using Vyvanse Versus Placebo by Measuring Perseverations on the Conners Continuous Performance Task (CPT-II).	12 weeks	Conner's Continuous Performance Task (CPT-II) measures sustained attention and response inhibition. During the CPT-II, letters were presented serially on a screen in a random order. All letters were considered target stimuli, except for the letter 'X' which is a non-target stimulus. Participants responded to target stimuli by pressing the space bar of a computer keyboard (90% of the stimuli) while withholding responses to non-target stimuli (10% of the test). CPT-II Perseverations represent responses in which reaction time was less than 100 ms; these responses are assumed to be anticipatory, random, or slow/inattentive (i.e., carried over from the previous response) because it is physiologically impossible to respond accurately in so short a time. Raw scores were converted to z-scores (M=0, SD=+/-1) to have them on a uniform metric. Higher scores indicate greater inattentiveness.
Assessing Working Memory and Concentration in Children Using Vyvanse Versus Placebo by Measuring Performance on the Digit Span Subtest of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fifth Edition (WISC-V)	12 weeks	Digit Span repeats strings of digits of increasing length said by the examiner. Participants were asked to repeat the digits in the same sequence, either forwards or backwards. Every item on Digit Span consists of two trials. One point was awarded if the participant passed only 1 trial of a sequence length. Zero points were given if the participant failed both trials. It measures working memory and concentration with a range of scaled scores from 0-19. Raw scores were converted to z-scores (M=0, SD=+/-1). Higher scores indicate better recall and attention.
Assessing Sustained Attention and Response Inhibition in Children Using Vyvanse Versus Placebo by Measuring Reaction Time (RT) Standard Error (SE) on the Conners Continuous Performance Task (CPT-II).	12 weeks	Conner's Continuous Performance Task (CPT-II) measure sustained attention and response inhibition. During the CPT-II, letters were presented serially on a screen in a random order. All letters were considered target stimuli, except for the letter 'X' which is a non-target stimulus. Participants responded to target stimuli by pressing the space bar of a computer keyboard (90% of the stimuli) while withholding responses to non-target stimuli (10% of the test). Raw scores were converted to z-scores (M=0, SD=+/-1). Hit Reaction Time (RT) Standard Error (SE) measures response speed consistency. The higher the Overall Standard Error, the greater the inconsistency in the response speed, indicating a greater amount of inattention.

Trial Locations

Locations (1): Vanderbilt Medical Center
🇺🇸
Nashville, Tennessee, United States

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