Benefits of melatonin on mortality in severe-to-critical COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Abstract
Objective: This meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy of melatonin on mortality in patients with severe-to-critical illness COVID-19.
Methods: A systematic search was made of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov, without language restrictions. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) on the treatment of severe-to-critical COVID-19 with melatonin, compared with placebo or blank, were reviewed. Studies were pooled to Odds Ratios (ORs), with 95 % Confidence Intervals (95 % CIs).
Results: Three RCTs (enrolling 451 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Melatonin showed a significant effect on in-hospital mortality (OR = 0.19, 95 % CI 0.05 to 0.74; p = 0.02).
Conclusions: Melatonin significantly reduced in-hospital mortality in patients with severe-to-critical COVID-19. Melatonin should be considered for severe-to-critical COVID-19 patients.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, 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: 451 participants or records.
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