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Updated: May 17, 2026

Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy
10:22

Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy

Published on: December 6, 2016

Melatonin secretion in children with epilepsy

Ruta Praninskiene1, Irena Dumalakiene, Robertas Kemezys

  • 1Department of Child Neurology, Children's Hospital, Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Clinic, Vilnius, Lithuania.

Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|October 30, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Children with epilepsy maintained melatonin (MLT) and circadian rhythms, though some showed high MLT levels. No link was found between MLT patterns and seizure characteristics, suggesting further research into melatonin for epilepsy treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Chronobiology
  • Epilepsy Research

Background:

  • Melatonin (MLT) is a key hormone regulating circadian rhythms.
  • Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
  • Disruptions in circadian rhythms have been implicated in various neurological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the melatonin (MLT) system and circadian rhythms in children with epilepsy.
  • To determine if MLT secretion or excretion parameters correlate with seizure characteristics.
  • To explore the potential therapeutic role of melatonin in managing epilepsy.

Main Methods:

  • Measured diurnal patterns of salivary MLT, urinary 6-sulphatoxymelatonin, core body temperature, pulse, and blood pressure.
  • Included 51 children with epilepsy and 29 age-matched healthy children.
  • Analyzed MLT secretion/excretion parameters against seizure types, timing, and antiepileptic drug use.

Main Results:

  • Children with epilepsy generally preserved MLT and other circadian rhythms.
  • A subset of children with epilepsy (17.6%) exhibited very high peak salivary MLT concentrations.
  • No significant associations were found between MLT parameters and seizure characteristics.

Conclusions:

  • The melatonin system and circadian rhythms appear largely intact in children with epilepsy.
  • Elevated MLT levels in some children warrant further investigation.
  • Current findings do not support a direct relationship between MLT patterns and seizure control, but highlight potential for future therapeutic strategies.

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