Melatonin and childhood refractory epilepsy--a pilot study

• Published in: Medical science monitor Vol. 16; no. 9; pp. CR389 - CR396
• Main Authors: Paprocka, Justyna, Dec, Renata, Jamroz, Ewa, Marszał, Elzbieta
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.09.2010
• Subjects: Adolescent; Case-Control Studies; Child; Child, Preschool; Circadian Rhythm - physiology; Epilepsy - metabolism; Epilepsy - physiopathology; Epilepsy, Generalized - metabolism; Epilepsy, Generalized - physiopathology; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Melatonin - secretion; Pilot Projects; Sleep - physiology
• ISSN: 1643-3750

The aim of the study was to assess diurnal melatonin secretion in children with refractory epilepsy (N=74) as compared to children without epileptic seizures (N=37) and to compare melatonin secretion in children with focal and generalized refractory epilepsy. In the study group 4 subgroups were defined: children with focal symptomatic epilepsy, focal cryptogenic epilepsy, generalized symptomatic epilepsy, and generalized cryptogenic epilepsy. Melatonin level was measured every 3 hours using the RIA method. Analysis of diurnal melatonin secretion indicated a lower level of the hormone in patients with refractory epilepsy. The daily rhythm of melatonin secretion in the study group was maintained, with a peak shift of melatonin secretion especially visible in the subgroup with generalized symptomatic refractory epilepsy in the age group between 6 months and 3 years of age. The hypothesis may be formed that a lowered level of melatonin in the study group in relation to the comparison group is the consequence of the natural course of epilepsy or is influenced by antiepileptic drugs.