Melatonin versus chloral hydrate as the sedating agent in performing electroencephalogram in paediatric patients

Publication date: Available online 3 January 2017 Source:International Journal of Epilepsy Author(s): C.L. Yuen, W.W. Cherk, T.H. Fung, C.S. Ho, K.K. Chan, Y.W. Yu Electroencephalography (EEG) is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of epilepsy. The attainment of a high quality EEG requires patient's co-operation which is particularly difficult in children. Chloral hydrate has been used as a sedating agent in EEGs but it has potential serious adverse effects and anti-epileptic activity. Melatonin is used increasingly in different investigations as a safe alternative. Our study is to compare their effectiveness as sedating agents in performing EEGs and the detection rate of abnormal EEGs. This is a retrospective study performed in a regional hospital in Hong Kong. One hundred and ninety two EEG studies were included from December 2010 to July 2014. One hundred and two children were given chloral hydrate (50mg/Kg) in the first half of the period and 90 children were given melatonin (3mg for =< 5 years or 6mg for >= 5 year) in the later half. The two groups are compared with Pearson's Chi-squared test with Yates’ continuity correction. The successful rate in sedation was similar between the two groups while the pick up rate of abnormal EEGs was 52.56% in the melatonin group and 21.57% in the chloral hydrate group (p <0.05). Subgroup analysis among patients with epilepsy or mental retardation and intellectual disability shared same findings with higher ...
Source: International Journal of Epilepsy - Category: Neurology Source Type: research