By InvitationPhase 1

Sensitivity of the NIH Toolbox to Stimulant Treatment in Intellectual Disabilities

United States68 participantsStarted 2023-02-01

Plain-language summary

This study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of extended-release liquid methylphenidate (XRMPH) to evaluate the sensitivity of the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB) to changes in cognition in children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 with intellectual disability (D) and comorbid Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The sample will include 68 males or females (expected male: female ratio of 1.8:1 with ID and ADHD as determined by structured diagnostic interview and Conners 3 scores. Additional inclusion criteria will include Full Scale IQ above 50 and mental age greater than or equal to 3 years. In addition, participants must be able to complete NIHTB-CB testing and provide valid scores at baseline. After baseline testing, participants will then be randomized to drug or placebo in a 1:1 ratio (N=34 per group) at the end of the baseline visit. XRMPH in oral suspension supplied as Quillivant XR in 5 mg/ml (Tris Pharma, Monmouth Junction, NJ) will be the active treatment. The XRMPH or matching placebo will be started at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg/day and individually titrated over two weeks. Phone calls at the end of weeks 1, 2, and 3 will be used to collect adverse event and response data. If there is no evidence of side effects and ongoing symptoms of ADHD, the dose will be increased to 0.5 mg/kg/day at one week and 0.7 mg/kg/day at 2 weeks (maximum dose of 60 mg per day consistent with FDA labeled use in youth). The Clinical Global Impression (CGI) will be used as a guide to define optimal dose. If side effects occur the dose will be reduced to the dose level at which there were no side effects. Final optimal dose will be established by the end of week 3 and this will be maintained for 2 weeks until 5 weeks post randomization, at which time the follow-up parent and teacher Conners scales, NIHTB-CB, Go/No-Go, and PedsQL will be completed. Participants will have a washout period of 1 week, will then complete re-assessment at the second baseline, and then will cross over to the other treatment (Quillivant to placebo; placebo to Quillivant), also in a double-blind fashion. In the second treatment arm, patients will have the same titration, monitoring and treatment periods as in the first arm, again followed by repeated assessments at the conclusion of 5 weeks. The accrual of participants and number of visits is shown in the Timeline per 6-month period.

Who can participate

Age range

6 Years – 24 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * IQ below 80 * Mental age 3.0 or higher (Stanford Binet) * Diagnosis of Intellectual Disability * Diagnosis of ADHD * Ability to complete valid NIHTB-CB tests at screening/baseline Exclusion Criteria: * stimulant use within 2 weeks prior to randomization * history of a sensitivity reaction to stimulants * presence of significant comorbid psychiatric or medical disorder/illness deemed by the site physician as inappropriate for stimulant use (uncontrolled epilepsy, bipolar disorder, psychosis, severe OCD, hypertension, tachycardia hypertension, failure to thrive, psychosis for example) * a household resident with a current substance abuse disorder

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Composite score of NIHTB-CB Flanker, Dimensional Change Card Sort, List Sorting and Speeded Matching tests.

Timeframe: 11 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05301361

SponsorUniversity of California, Davis

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-09-29

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