title: Melatonin utility in neonates and children.
abstract: Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is an endogenously produced indoleamine secreted by the pineal gland and the secretion is suppressed by light. Melatonin is a highly effective antioxidant, free radical scavenger, and has anti-inflammatory effect. Plenty of evidence supports the utility of melatonin in adults for cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and aging. In children and neonates, melatonin has been used widely, including for respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), hypoxia-ischemia encephalopathy and sepsis. In addition, melatonin can be used in childhood sleep and seizure disorders, and in neonates and children receiving surgery. This review article discusses the utility of melatonin in neonates and children.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Yu-Chieh
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: You-Lin
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Tain
authors.forename: Jiunn-Ming
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Sheen
authors.forename: Li-Tung
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Huang
mesh_terms: D000975:Antioxidants / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D020925:Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D008550:Melatonin / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D018805:Sepsis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D008550:Melatonin