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Rest-activity disturbances in children with septo-optic dysplasia characterized by actigraphy and 24-hour plasma

E A Webb1, M A O'Reilly, J Orgill

  • 1University College London (UCL) Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, London, United Kingdom. e.webb@ich.ucl.ac.uk

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|July 28, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Melatonin secretion varies greatly in children with septo-optic dysplasia (SOD), and objective sleep/activity patterns are often disrupted. This study found no clear evidence of common sleep disorders, highlighting the need for individualized management strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

  • Melatonin treatment is common for sleep issues in children with septo-optic dysplasia (SOD).
  • Objective sleep/activity data and 24-hour melatonin profiles are lacking for this population.
  • The pathophysiology of sleep disorders in SOD remains poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To objectively assess sleep/activity patterns and 24-hour melatonin profiles in children with SOD and sleep disruption.
  • To investigate the relationship between melatonin secretion and sleep disturbances in SOD.
  • To explore potential underlying sleep disorders in this cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Six children with SOD and rest-activity disturbances were studied.
  • Actigraphy (Actiwatch-Mini) was used for 2 weeks to monitor movement and sleep.
  • Hourly serum melatonin levels were measured over a 24-hour period in a hospital setting.

Main Results:

  • Two children had undetectable melatonin and fragmented sleep, without non-24-hour or delayed sleep-phase disorder.
  • One child exhibited an arrhythmic sleep pattern despite a normal melatonin profile.
  • Three children had fragmented sleep; two had normal melatonin profiles, and one had altered daytime melatonin levels.

Conclusions:

  • Significant variability exists in melatonin secretion timing and levels among children with SOD.
  • No participants showed objective evidence of non-24-hour or delayed sleep-phase disorders.
  • Recognizing the diverse nature of sleep disorders in SOD is crucial for effective patient management.
Abstract

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