Enhanced Nitric Oxide (NO) and Decreased ADMA Synthesis in Pediatric ADHD and Selective Potentiation of NO Synthesis by Methylphenidate.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common pediatric psychiatric disorder, frequently treated with methylphenidate (MPH). Recently, MPH's cardiovascular safety has been questioned by observational studies describing an increased cardiovascular risk in adults and blood pressure alterations in children. We considered members of the L-arginine (Arg)/nitric oxide (NO) pathway as possible early cardiovascular risk factors in pediatric ADHD children.