1 Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Allergy and Pulmonary Division, The University of Illinois at Chicago
2 Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Pediatric Psychology and Developmental Disabilities, The University of Illinois at Chicago
3 Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Pulmonary/Allergy, The University of Illinois at Chicago
To the Editor.
Dr Rachelefsky and his colleagues reported, first in USA Today (Dec 2, 1986, p 1) and later in Pediatrics (1986;78:1133-1138) that theophylline adversely affected school performance. Specifically, they stated, "Teachers said kids couldn't sit still, they weren't remembering as well, they were acting up, and their handwriting had changed" (USA Today). They concluded that "the short-term administration of theophylline to asymptomatic asthmatic children not receiving oral bronchodilators can adversely affect school performance and behavior" (Pediatrics).