Prolonged-release melatonin for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to assess the long-term effectiveness and safety of prolonged-release melatonin (Circadin) in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Results Summary
The study found that prolonged-release melatonin significantly improved sleep latency (44% decrease), sleep duration (10.1% increase), reduced awakenings (75% decrease), and enhanced sleep quality (75% improvement) compared to baseline. No serious adverse events or treatment-related comorbidities were reported.
Population
88 children (42 girls, 46 boys) with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Effective Dosage
4-6 mg
Duration
6-72 months
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
prolonged-release melatonin | neutral | - | children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders | - | demonstrated the efficacy and safety | #1 |
prolonged-release melatonin treatment | neutral | long-term effectiveness and safety | 88 children (42 girls and 46 boys) with neurodevelopmental disorders | - | were assessed | #2 |
prolonged-release melatonin | decrease | sleep latency | children with neurodevelopmental disorders | 44.0% | decreased | #3 |
prolonged-release melatonin | increase | sleep duration | children with neurodevelopmental disorders | 10.1% | increased | #4 |
prolonged-release melatonin | decrease | number of awakenings | children with neurodevelopmental disorders | 75% | decreased | #5 |
prolonged-release melatonin | increase | sleep quality | children with neurodevelopmental disorders | 75% | improved | #6 |
prolonged-release melatonin | no change | adverse events | children with neurodevelopmental disorders | no significant change | No serious adverse events or treatment-related comorbidities were reported | #7 |
prolonged-release melatonin | neutral | sleep disorders | children with neurodevelopmental disorders | - | remains a safe, effective therapy | #8 |
Previous studies demonstrated the efficacy and safety of prolonged-release melatonin in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders. The long-term effectiveness and safety of prolonged-release melatonin treatment were assessed in 88 children (42 girls and 46 boys) with neurodevelopmental disorders. These patients participated in a compassionate-use program with the drug Circadin (2 mg; Neurim Pharmaceuticals, Tel Aviv, Israel) in France, and received treatment in the context of regular care by a specialized physician. The study involved a structured questionnaire for the parents, comprising a combination of multiple-choice and numeric questions addressing sleep onset/offset, sleep quality problems, and mood. The dose of melatonin ranged from 4-6 mg, and treatment duration ranged from 6-72 months. Within 3 months, sleep latency with prolonged-release melatonin decreased by 44.0% (P < 0.001), sleep duration increased by 10.1% (P < 0.001), the number of awakenings decreased by 75% (P < 0.001), and sleep quality improved by 75%, compared with baseline (P < 0.001). No serious adverse events or treatment-related comorbidities were reported. Prolonged-release melatonin remains a safe, effective therapy for the long-term treatment of sleep disorders in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.