Melatonin and childhood refractory epilepsy--a pilot study.
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.
Paprocka
Justyna
J
Child Neurology Department, Silesian Medical University, Katowice, Poland.
Dec
Renata
R
Jamroz
Ewa
E
Marszał
Elzbieta
E
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
D008550:Melatonin