Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Drie Eikenstraat 655, Edegem, 2650, Antwerp, Belgium.
Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2022 May;279(5):2303-2308. doi: 10.1007/s00405-021-06923-1. Epub 2021 Jun 8.
In this study, the efficacy and feasibility of melatonin in young children with and without comorbidities, undergoing auditory brainstem response audiometry (ABR) was evaluated. The aim of this study was primarily to evaluate the use of melatonin for ABR investigations in children with comorbidities. Second, the efficacy of melatonin was evaluated based on several factors like sleep-onset latency, sleep duration, frequency of awakenings as well as adverse events.
Click-induced ABR tests were performed at the outpatient clinic between January, 2018 and August, 2020. Investigations were considered successful when binaural testing was completed. A dose of melatonin depending on age, 5 mg for children younger than 6 years and 10 mg if older than 6 years, was administered after placement of electrodes.
131 children were included in this study. 87% of all ABR investigations were performed successfully. Comorbidities such as neurodevelopmental disorders or developmental delays were present in 70% of all children. There was no significant difference in age (p = 0.36) or gender (p = 0.97) between the success and failed group. In addition, comorbidities were equally distributed between both groups. Mean sleep duration was 38 (SD 21) min and sleep-onset latency was 28 (SD 20) min No adverse events were documented.
Melatonin is effective for ABR examinations in infants and children with and without comorbidities. Furthermore, it allows for sequential testing in those at risk for progressive hearing loss. Clear instructions to caregivers and expertise of audiologists are a prerequisite for optimal outcomes.
本研究旨在评估褪黑素在伴有和不伴有合并症的婴幼儿行听性脑干反应（ABR）测试中的疗效和可行性。该研究的主要目的是评估褪黑素在伴有合并症的儿童中进行 ABR 检查的应用。其次，根据睡眠潜伏期、睡眠持续时间、觉醒频率以及不良反应等因素评估褪黑素的疗效。
2018 年 1 月至 2020 年 8 月在门诊进行点击诱发 ABR 测试。当双耳测试完成时，将其视为成功。根据年龄给予褪黑素剂量，6 岁以下儿童 5mg，6 岁以上儿童 10mg，在放置电极后给药。
本研究共纳入 131 例儿童。所有 ABR 检查中，87%的检查成功完成。所有儿童中有 70%存在神经发育障碍或发育迟缓等合并症。成功组和失败组之间的年龄（p=0.36）或性别（p=0.97）无显著差异。此外，两组之间合并症的分布情况相似。平均睡眠持续时间为 38（SD 21）min，睡眠潜伏期为 28（SD 20）min，无不良反应记录。
褪黑素可有效用于伴有和不伴有合并症的婴幼儿 ABR 检查，且适用于有进行性听力损失风险的患者进行序贯测试。向照料者提供清晰的指导和听力学家的专业知识是取得最佳效果的前提。
