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Efficacy of melatonin for auditory brainstem response testing in children: A systematic review

D. Behrman, J. L. Bishop, J. Godsell, Brian Shirley, Sarah Storey, William W. Carroll, J. Prosser

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 2020

480 participants · 11 citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To examine the literature on pre-treatment with melatonin for successful completion of Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing in pediatric patients and evaluate melatonin dosing protocols.

DATA SOURCES

The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science from inception through May 20th, 2019. In addition, a retrospective case series of pediatric patients (<18yr) who underwent melatonin assisted ABR testing between 2015 and 2018 was performed at our institution.

REVIEW METHODS

Prospective and retrospective studies involving melatonin use in pediatric patients (<18yrs) for auditory brainstem response testing were evaluated. Studies meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria reported success rate of ABR testing using melatonin pre-treatment, dosage of melatonin used, duration of sleep, and whether adverse events occurred.

RESULTS

43 studies were identified, 8 studies were selected, and finally 5 studies were included in the review. A total of 480 pediatric patients underwent ABR testing with pre-treatment of melatonin with success rates ranging from 65% to 86.7%. Age across studies ranged from 1 month to 14 years, 6 months. Dosage of melatonin varied from 0.25 mg for patients 6 years of age, with one study using a weight-based approach. No significant adverse events were reported by any of the included studies.

CONCLUSION

Pre-medication with melatonin may be a useful option for obtaining successful results of non-sedated ABR testing in pediatric patients and…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 480 participants or records.

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