PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Rebecca Dack
AU  - Joanna J Garstang
TI  - Use of melatonin: a single-centre audit
AID  - 10.1136/bmjpo-2021-001349
DP  - 2022 Feb 01
TA  - BMJ Paediatrics Open
PG  - e001349
VI  - 6
IP  - 1
4099  - http://bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com/content/6/1/e001349.short
4100  - http://bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com/content/6/1/e001349.full
SO  - BMJ Paediatrics Open2022 Feb 01; 6
AB  - Sleep disorders in childhood are common. Melatonin is prescribed by UK community paediatricians to treat sleep disorders, but practice is not standardised. This audit reviewed melatonin prescribing within a community paediatric department in a 12-month period. 682 children received melatonin prescriptions; a random sample of 198 records were reviewed. The most common underlying condition was autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 28%. 41% had no underlying diagnosis when melatonin was initiated and were waiting for neurodevelopmental/ASD assessment. 42% were on melatonin for at least 2 years. Further work is required to optimise melatonin prescribing practice for children and young people.