Urinary melatonin metabolites do not predict migraine attacks in children and adolescents, however, they may be predictive in those who experience premonitory phase symptoms as part of their migraine attacks. This according to a study that examined whether evening urinary melatonin metabolite levels could predict migraine the next day in children and adolescents with migraine. Among the details:
- Twenty-one children and adolescents with migraine were recruited to provide urine samples for 10 days and maintain a prospective headache diary during the same period.
- Mean aMT6s levels the night prior to a migraine attack were 56.2 ±39.0 vs 55.4 ±46.6 ng/mL.
- Mean melatonin metabolite levels the night following migraine were 55.5 ±46.9 vs 57.0 ±37.7 ng/mL.
- However, in post hoc exploratory analyses, aMT6s levels were lower the night before a migraine in those who experienced aura or premonitory symptoms.
Berger A, et al. Preliminary evidence that melatonin is not a biomarker in children and adolescents with episodic migraine. [Published online ahead of print May 3, 2019]. Headache. doi: 10.1111/head.13547.