Melatonin replacement corrects sleep disturbances in a child with pineal tumor.
A child with a germ cell tumor involving the pineal region had marked suppression of melatonin secretion associated with severe insomnia. Exogenous melatonin (3 mg in the evening) for 2 weeks restored sleep continuity, as demonstrated by objective monitoring of rest-activity cycles. This case report provides direct evidence of the essential role of melatonin in normal sleep.
Etzioni
A
A
Department of Pediatrics, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.
Luboshitzky
R
R
Tiosano
D
D
Ben-Harush
M
M
Goldsher
D
D
Lavie
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects*; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*
D008550:Melatonin