March 2013. Volume 9. Number 1

Doubtful efficacy of melatonin for sleep disturbances in children with neurodevelopmental disorders

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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AVC | Critically appraised articles

Gringas P, Gamble C, Jones AP, Wiggs L, Williamson PR, Sutcliffe A, et al. Melatonin for sleep problems in children with neurodevelopmental disorders: randomised double masked placebo controlled trial. BMJ. 2012;345:e6664.
Reviewers: González de Dios J1, González Muñoz M2.
1Departamento de Pediatría. Hospital General Universitario de Alicante. España.
2Faculta de Medicina y Odontología. Valencia. Valencia. España.
Correspondence: Javier González de Dios. Email: javier.gonzalezdedios@gmail.com
Reception date: 15/12/2012
Acceptance date: 22/02/2013
Publication date: 06/03/2013

Abstract

Authors' conclusions: children gained little additional sleep on melatonin; although they fell asleep significantly faster, waking time become earlier. Child behaviour and family functioning outcomes did not significantly improve.

Reviewers' commentary: there is a weak recommendation in favor of making a trial of melatonin for three months in children with neurodevelopmental disorders and severe sleep disturbances, with monitoring of response.

How to cite this article

González de Dios J, González Muñoz M. Dudosa eficacia de la melatonina para los trastornos del sueño en niños con alteraciones del neurodesarrollo. Evid Pediatr.2013;9:12.

AVC | Critically appraised articles

Gringas P, Gamble C, Jones AP, Wiggs L, Williamson PR, Sutcliffe A, et al. Melatonin for sleep problems in children with neurodevelopmental disorders: randomised double masked placebo controlled trial. BMJ. 2012;345:e6664.
Reviewers: González de Dios J1, González Muñoz M2.
1Departamento de Pediatría. Hospital General Universitario de Alicante. España.
2Faculta de Medicina y Odontología. Valencia. Valencia. España.
Correspondence: Javier González de Dios. Email: javier.gonzalezdedios@gmail.com
Reception date: 15/12/2012
Acceptance date: 22/02/2013
Publication date: 06/03/2013

How to cite this article

González de Dios J, González Muñoz M. Dudosa eficacia de la melatonina para los trastornos del sueño en niños con alteraciones del neurodesarrollo. Evid Pediatr.2013;9:12.

References

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  2. Buscemi N, Vandermeer B, Hooton N, Pandya R, Tjosvold L, Hartling L, et al. Efficacy and safety of exogenous melatonin for secondary sleep disorders and sleep disorders accompanying sleep restriction: meta-analysis. BMJ. 2006; 32:385-93.
  3. Phillips L, Appleton RE. Systematic review of melatonin treatment in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and sleep impairment. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2004;46:771-5.
  4. Rossignol DA, Frye RE. Melatonin in autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2011;53:783-92.
  5. Buscemi N, Vandermeer B, Hooton N, Pandya R, Tjosvold L, Hartling L, et al. The efficacy and safety of exogenous melatonin for primary sleep disorders. A meta-analysis. J Gen Intern Med. 2005;20:1151-8.
06/03/2013

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