Hussein HA, Kahloul M, Alhamaidah MF, Alkhfaji HJ. Anxiolytic and Sedative Properties of Melatonin Premedication in Pediatrics Undergoing Elective Cardiac Catheterization: A Randomized Placebo Study.
Cureus 2024;
16:e56543. [PMID:
38646369 PMCID:
PMC11027787 DOI:
10.7759/cureus.56543]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Preoperative anxiety in children has been linked to various postoperative consequences, such as postoperative regressive behavioral issues, extended distress during the recovery period, eating disorders, and bedwetting. The current study aimed to investigate the efficacy of low-dose oral melatonin in alleviating preoperative anxiety among children in the Iraqi population.
STUDY DESIGN
A randomized, double-blinded comparative study was undertaken, involving children aged four to 14 years scheduled for elective cardiac catheterization under general anesthesia. The study comprised a total of 80 children. The involved individuals were randomly assigned to two groups, each with 40 subjects. Group A received 0.5 mg/kg melatonin as premedication, while Group B received a placebo.
RESULTS
The two groups demonstrated similarity in mean age, weight, cardiac disease, and gender distribution. Statistically significant reductions in anxiety scores were observed in the melatonin group compared to the placebo group. Particularly, children administered 0.5 mg/kg melatonin exhibited the most substantial anxiolysis and venipuncture compliance (P < 0.05). Additionally, children who were premedicated with melatonin experienced decreased cognition, maximum sedation, successful parental separation, and psychomotor impairment (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Melatonin demonstrated an effective sedation level without significant side effects, making it a preferred choice due to its efficacy, safety, current availability, and cost-effectiveness compared to other anesthetic agents used in premedication procedures.
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