title: Melatonin and childhood refractory epilepsy--a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  RESULTS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Child Neurology Department, Silesian Medical University, Katowice, Poland.
authors.forename: Justyna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Paprocka
authors.forename: Renata
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dec
authors.forename: Ewa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Jamroz
authors.forename: Elzbieta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Marszał
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004829:Epilepsy, Generalized / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000378:metabolism*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012890:Sleep / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D008550:Melatonin