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Ekambaram V, Owens J. Medications Used for Pediatric Insomnia. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2024; 47:87-101. [PMID: 38302215 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2023.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Pediatric insomnia can affect physical and mental health and cause cognitive deficits, social deficits and decrease quality of life. There are no Food and Drug Administration approved medications approved for pediatric insomnia. Pharmacologic interventions derive mostly from adult data or pediatric case reports. This review focuses on Food and Drug Administration approved prescription drugs (in adults), over-the-counter drugs, and off-label pediatric insomnia drugs. This review helps the clinician learn general principles, practice guidelines, and pharmacologic considerations for medication selection in the pediatric population. Pharmacologic management should be considered in combination with behavior therapy, which is proven to have long-lasting outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijayabharathi Ekambaram
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Central Florida, HCA Florida Healthcare Program, 8383 N. Davis Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32514, USA.
| | - Judith Owens
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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2
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Irfan M. Sleep Terrors. Sleep Med Clin 2024; 19:63-70. [PMID: 38368070 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2023.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Sleep terrors, categorized under disorders of arousal, more prevalent in pediatric population, generally are self-limited but sometimes can persist or occur in adulthood. These are primed by factors enhancing homeostatic drive on backdrop of developmental predisposition and are precipitated by factors increasing sleep fragmentation resulting in dissociated state of sleep with some cerebral regions showing abnormal slow wave activity and others fast activity. This phenotypically evolves into abrupt partial arousal with individual arousing from N3 or N2 sleep with behaviors representing intense fear such as crying with autonomic hyperactivity. There is no recollection of the event, and lack of vivid dream mentation although fragmented imagery may be noted. Behavioral management is of prime importance including addressing precipitating factors, family reassurance, safety measures, and scheduled awakenings. Pharmacologic agents such as clonazepam and antidepressants are used infrequently in case of disruptive episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna Irfan
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, 1816 Ellie Court, Eagan, MN 55122, USA.
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Mammarella V, Orecchio S, Cameli N, Occhipinti S, Marcucci L, De Meo G, Innocenti A, Ferri R, Bruni O. Using pharmacotherapy to address sleep disturbances in autism spectrum disorders. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:1261-1276. [PMID: 37811652 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2267761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sleep disorders are the second most common medical comorbidity in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with effects on daytime behavior and functioning, mood and anxiety, and autism core features. In children with ASD, insomnia also has a negative impact on the whole family's quality of life. Therefore, treatment of sleep disturbances should be considered as a primary goal in the management of ASD patients, and it is important to clarify the scientific evidence to inappropriate treatments. AREAS COVERED The authors review the current literature concerning the pharmacological treatment options for the management of sleep-related disorders in patients with ASD (aged 0-18 years) using the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases with the search terms: autism, autistic, autism spectrum disorder, ASD, drug, drug therapy, drug intervention, drug treatment, pharmacotherapy, pharmacological treatment, pharmacological therapy, pharmacological intervention, sleep, sleep disturbance, and sleep disorder. EXPERT OPINION Currently, clinicians tend to select medications for the treatment of sleep disorders in ASD based on the first-hand experience of psychiatrists and pediatricians as well as expert opinion. Nevertheless, at the present time, the only compound for which there is sufficient evidence is melatonin, although antihistamines, trazodone, clonidine, ramelteon, gabapentin, or suvorexant can also be considered for selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Mammarella
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Orecchio
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Noemi Cameli
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Occhipinti
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Lavinia Marcucci
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuliano De Meo
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Alice Innocenti
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ferri
- Sleep Research Centre, Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Oliviero Bruni
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Tang D, Quan C, Huang S, Wei F. Integrating LC-MS and HS-GC-MS for the metabolite characterization of the Chinese medicinal plant Platostoma palustre under different processing methods. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1181942. [PMID: 37275652 PMCID: PMC10235517 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1181942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Platostoma palustre (or Mesona chinensis Benth) is an important medicinal and edible plant in China and Southeast Asian countries. To study the effects of different processing methods on the quality, nutrition, and flavor of P. palustre, we adopted the LC-MS and HS-GC-MS to compare the influences of tedding (S), sweating (M), and drying (H) on the metabolites and volatile substances of P. palustre. Biochemical determinations revealed that the M treatment could promote the accumulation of the contents of total sugar, soluble sugar, and total pectin compared with the H and S treatments but decrease the total flavonoid contents. LC-MS and HS-GC-MS uncovered 98 differential metabolites and 27 differential volatile substances among the three treatments, respectively. Overall, the M treatment facilitated the stabilization and improvement of the quality of polysaccharides and volatile substances, while the H treatment could promote the level of amino acids in P. palustre. The current study provided a theoretical reference for establishing standardized processing methods and sustaining the quality stability of P. palustre in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danfeng Tang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources Protection and Genetic Improvement, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, China
- National Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance and Innovation Center, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, China
| | - Changqian Quan
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources Protection and Genetic Improvement, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, China
- National Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance and Innovation Center, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, China
| | - Suhua Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Fan Wei
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources Protection and Genetic Improvement, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, China
- National Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance and Innovation Center, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, China
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Innocenti A, Lentini G, Rapacchietta S, Cinnirella P, Elia M, Ferri R, Bruni O. The Role of Supplements and Over-the-Counter Products to Improve Sleep in Children: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097821. [PMID: 37175525 PMCID: PMC10178725 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The sleep-wake cycle is a complex multifactorial process involving several neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine, norepinephrine, serotonin, histamine, dopamine, orexin and GABA, that can be, in turn, regulated by different nutrients involved in their metabolic pathways. Although good sleep quality in children has been proven to be a key factor for optimal cognitive, physical and psychological development, a significant and ever-increasing percentage of the pediatric population suffers from sleep disorders. In children, behavioral interventions along with supplements are recommended as the first line treatment. This systematic review was conducted, according to the PRISMA guidelines, with the purpose of assessing the principal nutrients involved in the pathways of sleep-regulating neurotransmitters in children and adolescents. Our focus was the utilization of over the counter (OTC) products, specifically iron, hydroxytryptophan, theanine and antihistamines in the management of different pediatric sleep disorders with the intention of providing a practical guide for the clinician.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Innocenti
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuliana Lentini
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Rapacchietta
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Cinnirella
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Oliviero Bruni
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Gigliotti F, Esposito D, Basile C, Cesario S, Bruni O. Sleep terrors-A parental nightmare. Pediatr Pulmonol 2022; 57:1869-1878. [PMID: 33647192 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.25304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Sleep terrors (STs) are sleep disorders characterized by abrupt arousal from sleep with autonomic hyperactivity and inappropriate behavior. Though a common condition in childhood that usually affects children between 4 and 12 years of age, STs, however, may be present even in adulthood. The exact etiology of STs is not known yet, however, several hypotheses have been proposed over the years, identifying some potential genetic, neurodevelopmental, or other causes. Nevertheless, a useful pathophysiological model identified a common cascade of predisposing, priming, and precipitating factors, which could help to explain and sometimes prevent STs. Establishing a correct diagnosis is mandatory for appropriate management, as several conditions (such as other parasomnias or nocturnal seizures) may mimic STs. Furthermore, we also described some conditions which can be comorbid to STs, like some medical or psychological disorders. A number of treatment options have been proposed, ranging from only sleep hygiene practices to pharmacological therapies; we reviewed some of the most prominent ones. In spite of the fact that STs have long been considered benign disorders, which tend to reduce spontaneously over the years, they may have unexpected consequences on the child but also on the caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Gigliotti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Dario Esposito
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Consuelo Basile
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Cesario
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Oliviero Bruni
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
Pediatric insomnia can affect physical and mental health and cause cognitive deficits, social deficits and decrease quality of life. There are no Food and Drug Administration approved medications approved for pediatric insomnia. Pharmacologic interventions derive mostly from adult data or pediatric case reports. This review focuses on Food and Drug Administration approved prescription drugs (in adults), over-the-counter drugs, and off-label pediatric insomnia drugs. This review helps the clinician learn general principles, practice guidelines, and pharmacologic considerations for medication selection in the pediatric population. Pharmacologic management should be considered in combination with behavior therapy, which is proven to have long-lasting outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijayabharathi Ekambaram
- Department of Psychiatry, Touro University, Touro University Medical Group, 1805 North California Street, Suite 201, Stockton, CA 95204, USA.
| | - Judith Owens
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Esposito D, Belli A, Ferri R, Bruni O. Sleeping without Prescription: Management of Sleep Disorders in Children with Autism with Non-Pharmacological Interventions and Over-the-Counter Treatments. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10070441. [PMID: 32664572 PMCID: PMC7407189 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10070441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are lifelong neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by abnormal social interaction, communication, and behavior. Sleep disturbances represent a common comorbidity in children and adolescents with ASD, with prevalence ranging from 50 to 80%. It has been proved that sleep disruption worsens the symptoms of autism and results in challenging behaviors. Improving sleep should therefore be a primary therapeutic goal. Treatment options range from lifestyle modifications to pharmacological therapy. Several reviews have been written on pharmacological treatments, but very few on the beneficial effects of non-pharmacological interventions, over-the-counter drugs, and nutritional supplements. This study consists of a narrative review of the literature, presenting the available evidence on the following treatments: sleep education, behavioral interventions, complementary and alternative medicine (special mattresses and blankets, massage, aromatherapy, yoga, physical activity), and commonly used over-the-counter medications and supplements (antihistamines, melatonin, tryptophan, carnosine, iron, vitamins, and herbal remedies). For some treatments—such as melatonin and behavioral interventions—effectiveness in ASD is well established in the literature, while other interventions appear of benefit in clinical practice, even if specific studies in children and adolescents with ASD are lacking. Conversely, other treatments only seem to show anecdotal evidence supporting their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Esposito
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.E.); (A.B.)
| | - Arianna Belli
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.E.); (A.B.)
| | - Raffaele Ferri
- Sleep Research Centre, Oasi Research Institute–IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy;
| | - Oliviero Bruni
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
Tryptophan (TRP), an essential amino acid in mammals, is involved in several physiological processes including neuronal function, immunity, and gut homeostasis. In humans, TRP is metabolized via the kynurenine and serotonin pathways, leading to the generation of biologically active compounds, such as serotonin, melatonin and niacin. In addition to endogenous TRP metabolism, resident gut microbiota also contributes to the production of specific TRP metabolites and indirectly influences host physiology. The variety of physiologic functions regulated by TRP reflects the complex pattern of diseases associated with altered homeostasis. Indeed, an imbalance in the synthesis of TRP metabolites has been associated with pathophysiologic mechanisms occurring in neurologic and psychiatric disorders, in chronic immune activation and in the immune escape of cancer. In this chapter, the role of TRP metabolism in health and disease is presented. Disorders involving the central nervous system, malignancy, inflammatory bowel and cardiovascular disease are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Comai
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Antonella Bertazzo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Martina Brughera
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Crotti
- Institute of Paediatric Research-Città della Speranza, Padua, Italy.
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