Melatonin for anaesthetic indications in paediatric patients: a systematic review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adolescent #anesthesia #central-nervous-system-depressants #child #child-preschool

Melatonin for anaesthetic indications in paediatric patients: a systematic review

Procaccini et al., 2021 | Anaesthesia | Systematic Review

Citation

Procaccini D, Lobner K, ... Kudchadkar S R. Melatonin for anaesthetic indications in paediatric patients: a systematic review. Anaesthesia. 2021-Jun;76(6):837-849. doi:10.1111/anae.15249

Abstract

The favourable safety profile and ubiquitous nature of melatonin has led to an increase in its use in various clinical settings in adults and children. We performed a systematic review of published studies on the use of melatonin for anaesthetic indications in paediatric patients. To identify relevant articles, PubMed, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched. Study title and abstract screening, and full text review were performed by two reviewers. Twenty-seven eligible studies investigating melatonin use for anaesthetic indications were identified. Due to significant heterogeneity in study methodology, a quantitative synthesis of the published findings was not possible. The identified studies were therefore categorised by the indication for melatonin: analgesia, diagnostic sedation and as an anaesthetic adjunct. Melatonin use for anaesthetic-related indications is safe; may provide analgesia for inflammatory-associated pain in neonates and children before venepuncture; may decrease the need for, or replace, general anaesthesia for diagnostic procedures; and may serve as an anaesthesia adjunct before induction in paediatric patients.

Key Findings

Melatonin use for anaesthetic-related indications is safe; may provide analgesia for inflammatory-associated pain in neonates and children before venepuncture; may decrease the need for, or replace, general anaesthesia for diagnostic procedures; and may serve as an anaesthesia adjunct before induction in paediatric patients.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anesthesia
  • Central Nervous System Depressants
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Melatonin

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: melatonin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09