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Efficacy of melatonin for auditory brainstem response testing in children: A systematic review.

International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology
April 1, 2020
David B Behrman et al. (7 authors)
Journal ArticleSystematic ReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of melatonin pre-treatment for successful completion of Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing in pediatric patients and assess dosing protocols.

Results Summary

Melatonin pre-treatment showed success rates ranging from 65% to 86.7% in pediatric ABR testing, with no significant adverse events reported across varying dosages. The study concluded that melatonin may be a useful alternative to sedation for non-sedated ABR testing.

Population

Pediatric patients (<18 years), ranging from 1 month to 14 years, 6 months.

Effective Dosage

0.25 mg for patients <3 months to 20 mg for patients >6 years, with one study using a weight-based approach.

Duration

Not specified (single pre-treatment dose for ABR testing).

Interactions

None mentioned.

Extracted Claims (3)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
melatonin pre-treatment
increase
Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing
pediatric patients (<18yrs)
success rates ranging from 65% to 86.7%
successful completion
#1
melatonin pre-treatment
increase
non-sedated ABR testing
pediatric patients
-
may be a useful option for obtaining successful results
#2
melatonin pre-treatment
no change
adverse events
pediatric patients
-
No adverse events were reported
#3
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the literature on pre-treatment with melatonin for successful completion of Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing in pediatric patients and evaluate melatonin dosing protocols. DATA SOURCES: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science from inception through May 20th, 2019. In addition, a retrospective case series of pediatric patients (<18yr) who underwent melatonin assisted ABR testing between 2015 and 2018 was performed at our institution. REVIEW METHODS: Prospective and retrospective studies involving melatonin use in pediatric patients (<18yrs) for auditory brainstem response testing were evaluated. Studies meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria reported success rate of ABR testing using melatonin pre-treatment, dosage of melatonin used, duration of sleep, and whether adverse events occurred. RESULTS: 43 studies were identified, 8 studies were selected, and finally 5 studies were included in the review. A total of 480 pediatric patients underwent ABR testing with pre-treatment of melatonin with success rates ranging from 65% to 86.7%. Age across studies ranged from 1 month to 14 years, 6 months. Dosage of melatonin varied from 0.25 mg for patients <3 months of age to 20 mg for patients >6 years of age, with one study using a weight-based approach. No significant adverse events were reported by any of the included studies. CONCLUSION: Pre-medication with melatonin may be a useful option for obtaining successful results of non-sedated ABR testing in pediatric patients and may provide a useful alternative to sedation. Dosing patterns are highly variable. No adverse events were reported with any dosing strategy.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
ChildEvoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain StemHearing TestsHumansInfantMelatonin
Study Links
Quality Scores
Safety90
Efficacy75/10
Quality70/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations6
Citations/Year1.2
Relative Citation Ratio0.86
NIH Percentile44.7%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.75
Weight Score2.05
Normalized Score0.80
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