Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated the thermogenic effect of ephedrine and methylxanthines. However, no data are available on the thermic effect of these drugs in children. In the present study we investigated the thermogenic effects of 1 mg/kg lean body mass (LBM) (group 1, n=5) or 2 mg/kg LBM (group 2, n=7) ephedrine and 3 mg/kg LBM (group 3, n=6) or 6 mg/kg LBM (group 4, n=5) aminophylline in 10 obese boys and 13 obese girls. Their age (mean+-SE), body weight, body fat and LBM were 12.1+-0.6 yr,78.4 +-5.2 kg, 38.8+-0.8 % and 48.1+-3.3 kg, respectively. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured by Kipp and Zonnen indirect calorimeter after an overnight fast for 45 min and for 180 min after the administration of the drugs. RMR rose after the consumption of the drugs by 3-9+-0.7 %, 7.5+-1.2 %, 10.8+-2.2 % and 20.0+-2.5 % in group 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively (p<0.05, group 1 vs 3 and 2 vs 4). Heart rate was increased significantly by both drugs. Systolic blood pressure was elevated only by ephedrine.
Conclusion:The thermogenic effects of ephedrine and aminophylline are dose dependent. Aminophylline is a much more effective thermogenic drug in children than ephedrine and it does not increase blood pressure. Before it could be recommended as an aid for the treatment of extremely obese children, a chronic energy balance study is needed.
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Molnár, D. 34 THERMOGENIC EFFECT OF EPHEDRINE AND AMINOPHYLLINE IN OBESE CHILDREN. Pediatr Res 28, 282 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199009000-00058
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199009000-00058
