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Am J Perinatol 2022; 39(08): 824-829
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1719151
Review Article

Melatonin Administration from 2000 to 2020 to Human Newborns with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

Gabriella D'angelo 
1   Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi,” University of Messina, Messina, Italy
,
Laura Cannavò 
1   Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi,” University of Messina, Messina, Italy
,
Russel J. Reiter
2   Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
,
Eloisa Gitto
1   Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi,” University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Abstract

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is the main cause of long-term neurodevelopmental morbidity in term born infants worldwide. Melatonin is a hormone with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that make it a promising molecule for the treatment of perinatal asphyxia. Probably, the synergistic use of hypothermia associated with melatonin treatment may improve the neurological outcome in infants with HIE. In the past 20 years, the efficacy of melatonin in reducing oxidative stress has been demonstrated in animals; however, clinical trials with sufficient sample size of newborns are lacking to date. Since in 2000 we were among the first to study the neuroprotective properties of melatonin on infants, in this review, we want to summarize the advantages and limitations of the investigations conducted to date.

Key Points

  • HIE is the main cause of morbidity in term born infants worldwide.

  • Melatonin is a promising molecule for the treatment of perinatal asphyxia.

  • This review summarizes advantages and limitations of the investigations conducted on melatonin.

Keywords

melatonin - neuroprotection - hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy - neonatal brain - infants

Authors' Contribution

G.D. conceptualized the study, L.C. designed and drafted the manuscript, R.J.R. acquired data, and E.G. critically revised the article for important intellectual content. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.




Publication History

Received: 26 March 2020

Accepted: 29 September 2020

Article published online:
31 October 2020

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA

 

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