Low melatonin excretion during mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit

• DOI: 10.1042/cs20030374
• Publication Date: 2004-06-23T13:20:21Z
• Authors: Ulla FRISK; Joel OLSSON; Per NYLÉN; Robert G. HAHN
• Keywords: Adult; Aged, 80 and over; Male; Hydrocortisone; Length of Stay; Middle Aged; Respiration, Artificial; Circadian Rhythm; 3. Good health; Intensive Care Units; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Humans; Female; Lighting; Aged; Melatonin

Biochemical markers for the circadian rhythm were studied in patients treated at ICU (intensive care unit) of two regional hospitals. A normal is characterized by a relatively higher melatonin and lower cortisol excretion night. Disturbances affect sleep, mood cognitive performance. All urine excreted between 07:00 22:00 hours (day) (night) was collected sampled throughout entire period (median, 10 days) 16 6-SMT (6-sulphatoxymelatonin), which metabolite melatonin, free cortisol. The overall slightly than reported healthy reference populations. Mechanical ventilation associated with markedly 198 ng/h) compared periods without such help (555 ng/h; P<0.0001), whereas infusion adrenergic drugs increased (P<0.01). Five (31%) showed virtually absent 24 h or more. diurnal rhythms consistently periodically disturbed 65% 75% patients. These alterations cannot be explained excessive exposure to light In conclusion, there hyposecretion during mechanical ventilation, an high both these hormones most departments.