Effectiveness of melatonin supplementation for improving sleep quality and disease severity in children with atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing pruritus, leading to sleep disturbance and poor quality of life, particularly in children. Effective adjunctive treatments addressing these issues are crucially needed.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of melatonin supplementation on sleep quality and disease severity in children with atopic dermatitis through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted using three randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Eligible studies compared melatonin supplementation (3-6 mg/day) to placebo. Data was analyzed using a random-effects model with mean differences and standardized mean differences reported at 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0, and heterogeneity was evaluated using I2 statistics.
RESULTS: Melatonin significantly reduced sleep onset latency with a pooled standard mean difference of -0.63 (95% CI: -1.00 to -0.26, p = 0.0009) and improved disease severity with a pooled mean difference in SCORAD scores of -6.60 (95% CI: -10.11 to -3.10, p = 0.0002), but this did not exceed the MCID and total SCORAD was non-significant. Heterogeneity for these outcomes was minimal (I2 = 0-4%). However, melatonin had no significant effect on IgE levels (SMD = -0.19, 95% CI: -0.46 to 0.09, p = 0.18) or total sleep duration (mean difference = 18.29 min, 95% CI: -10.31 to 46.88, p =…
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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.
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