The International Tinnitus Journal

A Randomized Placebo Study on Premedication with Oral Melatonin for Children Undergoing Elective Therapeutic Cardiac Catheterization.

Author(s): Hussein Ali Hussein*, Mohamed Kahloul, Talib Razak M Askar, Majid Fakhir Alhamaidah, Hussein Alkhfaji, Abbass Haydar, Haider Muhy Al bareh, Ammar Hoom Mahdi, Amjed Qasim Mohammed

Background: The occurrence of preoperative anxiety in children is linked to various postoperative consequences, including regressive behavioral disturbances, prolonged distress during recovery, eating disorders, and bedwetting. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of oral melatonin premedication in alleviating preoperative anxiety in children and its sedative effects. Methods: A randomized comparative study involved children aged 2 to 12 years scheduled for elective cardiac catheterization under general anesthesia. The sample comprised 80 patients, randomly assigned to two groups of 40 each. Group A received 0.5mg/kg oral melatonin as a premedication agent, while Group B received an identical placebo. Results: in regarding demographics; Both groups were comparable. There was a notable contrast in the average anxiety scores following 30 minutes of premedication, during separation from parents, and 5 minutes before induction (P < 0.001, P= 0.003, and P= 0.020, respectively). Similarly, a considerable disparity was evident in the sedation levels across all assessment points (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Administering of oral melatonin as a premedication might mitigate preoperative anxiety levels in pediatric patients undergoing therapeutic cardiac catheterization, with no notable adverse effects.

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