Use of melatonin: a single-centre audit.

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Pharmacology
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

• Sleep disorders are prevalent in childhood.
• Melatonin is frequently prescribed by UK community paediatricians for these conditions.
• Current melatonin prescribing practices are not standardized across the UK.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and audit melatonin prescribing patterns within a community paediatric department over a 12-month period.
• To identify common indications and duration of melatonin use in children.
• To highlight areas for improvement in pediatric melatonin prescription practices.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective audit of melatonin prescriptions issued over 12 months.
• 682 children received melatonin prescriptions.
• A random sample of 198 patient records were reviewed for detailed analysis.

Main Results:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was the most frequent underlying condition (28%).
• 41% of children had no established diagnosis at melatonin initiation, often awaiting neurodevelopmental/ASD assessment.
• A significant proportion (42%) were prescribed melatonin for at least two years.

Conclusions:

• The audit highlights variability in melatonin prescribing for pediatric sleep disorders.
• There is a need for standardized guidelines to optimize melatonin use in children and young people.
• Further research and clinical practice development are required to ensure appropriate and effective melatonin management.