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The relationship between epileptic seizure and melatonin in children

Gurkan Tarcin1, Tugce Aksu Uzunhan2, Alper Kacar3

  • 1Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Istanbul, Turkey.

Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|August 31, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Children with epileptic seizures (ESs) have lower basal melatonin levels. This study in 91 children suggests a potential role for melatonin in epilepsy pathogenesis, warranting further investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Endocrinology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Limited research exists on the connection between epileptic seizures (ESs) and melatonin in pediatric populations.
  • Previous studies often involved diverse patient groups and varied methodologies, hindering clear conclusions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between epileptic seizures (ESs) and melatonin levels in children.
  • To analyze this relationship based on specific seizure and epilepsy characteristics.

Main Methods:

  • Serum melatonin levels were measured in 91 children with ESs within 30 minutes post-seizure and on a seizure-free day.
  • Patients were categorized by diagnosis, semiology, etiology, duration, EEG findings, and treatment response.
  • Basal melatonin levels in 21 children with electrical status epilepticus in sleep (ESES) were compared to a control group.

Main Results:

  • Children with ESs and ESES exhibited significantly lower basal melatonin levels compared to controls (p < 0.001).
  • This finding held true across most subgroups, with exceptions in remote symptomatic etiology, severe EEG findings, and refractory epilepsy.
  • No significant difference was found between basal and post-seizure melatonin levels.

Conclusions:

  • This study is the first to extensively examine ESs and basal melatonin levels in relation to detailed seizure and epilepsy characteristics in a large pediatric cohort.
  • The findings highlight the need for further research into melatonin's role in the pathogenesis of ESs and ESES.
  • Understanding melatonin's involvement may pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildrenElectrical status epilepticus in sleepEpilepsyMelatoninSeizure

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