European journal of paediatric neurology : EJPN : official journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society
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Eur. J. Paediatr. Neurol. · May 2010
Comparative StudyMelatonin versus chloral hydrate for recording sleep EEG.
Although behavioral training could be successful in promoting electroencephalogram (EEG) compliance without restraint or sedation, sleep EEG may increase the yield of seizure activity. Furthermore uncooperative children not amenable to behavioral training require sedation for EEG recording. Our aim was to assess the impact of melatonin on the sleep EEG recording in comparison with chloral hydrate. ⋯ Few adverse effects occurred in both groups (Fisher's exact test, P=0.64). The shorter sleep duration and drowsiness period were the two advantages of melatonin over chloral hydrate. Furthermore higher yield of seizure activity detection in melatonin sedated patients was in favor of its prescription for sleep EEG recording in the pediatric population.