Melatonin treatment in an institutionalised child with psychomotor retardation and an irregular sleep-wake pattern.

Pillar, G; Etzioni, A; Shahar, E; Lavie, P · Arch Dis Child · 1998

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

An institutionalised 13 year old girl with psychomotor retardation suffered from an irregular sleep-wake pattern. Multiple measurements of urinary sulphatoxy-melatonin (aMT6) concentrations were abnormally low, without any significant day-night differences. Administration of exogenous melatonin (3 mg) at 18:00 resulted in increased nocturnal urinary aMT6 concentrations and improvements in her sleep-wake pattern. Melatonin may help disabled children suffering from sleep disorders.

Medical subject headings