CHANGES IN PLASMA PROLACTIN AND CATECHOLAMINE METABOLITE LEVELS FOLLOWING ACUTE NEEDLE STICK IN CHILDREN

Changes in plasma levels of prolactin (PRL), homovanillic acid (HVA), and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) following insertion of an i ndwelling catheter into a forearm vein were assessed in 11 boys with a ttention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Results indicated decreases i n plasma PRL and HVA, but not MHPG, from the time of needle stick unti l 105 min post-insertion. These data indicate a significant increase i n plasma PRL and HVA in children following needle stick which graduall y decreases over a 1.5-2-h period. These stress-induced changes indica te that values obtained immediately after needle insertion cannot be a ssumed to accurately reflect baseline levels. (C) 1997 Elsevier Scienc e Ireland Ltd.