Melatonin effects on the left ventricular function in neonates with persistent pulmonary hypertension

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Cardiology
• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) impairs left ventricular (LV) function and is linked to oxidative stress.
• Current treatments for PPHN may not fully address cardiac dysfunction and oxidative damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of melatonin on LV function in neonates with PPHN.
• To assess melatonin's role in enhancing cardiac performance and reducing oxidative stress in PPHN.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 80 neonates with PPHN.
• Participants received standard therapy with or without oral melatonin.
• LV function assessed by echocardiography; serum biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation measured.

Main Results:

• Melatonin group showed significantly improved LV function compared to placebo.
• Melatonin was associated with earlier weaning from mechanical ventilation and shorter hospital stays.
• Reduced levels of serum HMGB1 and NT-proBNP were observed in the melatonin group.

Conclusions:

• Melatonin enhances LV function in PPHN, likely via cardioprotective and antioxidative mechanisms.
• Melatonin shows potential as an adjunctive therapy for neonatal pulmonary hypertension.
• Further large-scale clinical trials are warranted to confirm these findings.