CompuMed Will Launch CardioGramKids™, Critical Screening Program for
Children at Risk of Cardiovascular Problems Due to Psychotropic
Medications, Including Stimulants for ADHD and Other Conditions
CompuMed, Inc. (OTCBB: CMPD) (www.compumed.net)
today announced a landmark program in pediatric screening services, CardioGramKids™,
teaming with the highly respected Department of Pediatrics at the
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine to provide
electrocardiogram (ECG) screening services to children and teenagers
prior to prescribing or taking psychotropic medications, including
stimulants. CompuMed will remotely interpret ECGs on pediatric patients
in this first-of-its-kind program to detect heart abnormalities prior to
therapy. CompuMed and the University of Miami have launched this program
in response to the American Heart Association and other leading groups
that have expressed concern regarding reports of sudden death in
children and adolescents treated with stimulants and other
psychotropic medications for conditions such as attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder, commonly referred to as ADHD. Medical journals
have long reported concerns regarding the appropriateness of
such therapy without screening at risk patients.
“We are delighted, yet sobered, to be launching this important project
with such an experienced pediatric cardiology partner,” said Maurizio
Vecchione, CompuMed’s CEO. “For far too long, children have potentially
been put at risk of developing or exacerbating potentially serious or
life threatening cardiac conditions without prior ECG screenings.
Unfortunately, today’s 12-lead ECG machines are complex, and more than
400 diagnoses can be made from a single ECG. Interpreting ECGs without
specialized training, especially in pediatric cardiology, could lead to
potentially life-threatening misdiagnoses. Additionally computerized
interpretations are not necessarily optimized for pediatric studies and
in general have significant error rates.
“This is the first of what we believe to be many partnerships with
pediatric, psychiatric and primary care practices throughout the country
aimed at saving children’s lives. Physicians can screen their pediatric
patients with the confidence that specialist pediatric cardiologists are
providing the interpretations,” Mr. Vecchione added.
