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Anxiolytic and Sedative Properties of Melatonin Premedication in Pediatrics Undergoing Elective Cardiac

Hussein A Hussein1, Mohamed Kahloul2, Majid F Alhamaidah3

  • 1Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse, TUN.

Cureus
|April 22, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Low-dose oral melatonin effectively reduced preoperative anxiety in children undergoing cardiac catheterization. Melatonin provided significant anxiolysis and improved compliance with minimal side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Anesthesiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Preoperative anxiety in children can lead to adverse postoperative outcomes, including behavioral issues and prolonged distress.
  • Investigating effective interventions for managing pediatric preoperative anxiety is crucial for improving patient recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of low-dose oral melatonin in reducing preoperative anxiety in Iraqi children.
  • To assess melatonin's impact on anxiety scores, sedation, and compliance during cardiac catheterization.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, double-blinded study involving 80 children (4-14 years) undergoing elective cardiac catheterization.
  • Participants were randomized to receive either 0.5 mg/kg oral melatonin or a placebo as premedication.
  • Anxiety levels, sedation, and psychomotor function were assessed post-administration.

Main Results:

  • Melatonin significantly reduced anxiety scores compared to placebo (P < 0.05).
  • Children receiving melatonin showed enhanced anxiolysis, venipuncture compliance, and successful parental separation.
  • Melatonin also led to decreased cognition and psychomotor impairment without significant adverse effects.

Conclusions:

  • Low-dose oral melatonin is an effective and safe premedication for reducing preoperative anxiety in pediatric cardiac catheterization patients.
  • Melatonin offers a cost-effective and readily available option compared to other anesthetic agents for preoperative anxiety management.
  • The findings support melatonin as a preferred agent for pediatric premedication due to its favorable efficacy and safety profile.
Abstract

Keywords:
ease of venepuncturemask acceptanceoral melatoninpediatricpremedicationpreoperative anxietysedation

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