Interpretation of the Expert Consensus on Melatonin Use in Managing Insomnia in Children with Autism and Other Neurogenetic Disorders: an assessment by the International Pediatric Sleep Association (IPSA)
10.3760/cma.j.cn113661-20241110-00372
- VernacularTitle:《孤独症谱系障碍和神经遗传障碍儿童失眠的褪黑素治疗专家共识》解读
- Author:
Chenhuan MA
1
;
Siyao CAO
;
Yujiao DENG
;
Yanrui JIANG
;
Xiaodan YU
;
Jinjin CHEN
;
Fei LI
;
Chunbo LI
;
Guanghai WANG
Author Information
1. 上海交通大学医学院附属上海儿童医学中心儿科转化医学研究所，上海 200127
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Melatonin;
Child;
Insomnia;
Autism;
Neurogenetic disorders;
Consensus interpretation
- From:
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry
2025;58(7):499-505
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Melatonin is widely used as an over-the-counter medication to treat insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and neurogenetic disorders (NGD). However, there is still a lack of research on its efficacy and safety, and clinical practice standards are to be established. In response, the International Pediatric Sleep Association (IPSA) convened an expert panel and developed a consensus statement:"Melatonin Use in Managing Insomnia in Children with Autism and Other Neurogenetic Disorders-an Assessment by the International Pediatric Sleep Association (IPSA)", which was published in Sleep Medicine, April 2024. The consensus focused on the efficacy and adverse effects of melatonin treatment for insomnia in children with ASD and NGD-including Smith-Magenis syndrome, Rett syndrome, Angelman syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex. It systematically reviews randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted between 2012 and 2022, and integrates current best clinical practices to formulate 10 consensus recommendations. Despite these contributions, the consensus has limitations: a small number of included RCTs, a lack of grading for evidence quality, and recommendation strength. Furthermore, the study population is primarily composed of children from Western countries. This article seeks to interpret the consensus to improve standardized use of melatonin for insomnia in Chinese children with ASD and NGD, and to provide a reference for the future development of localized evidence-based guidelines.
