Melatonin replacement therapy in a child with a pineal tumor

The case report of a child with the diagnosis of a pineal tumor and severe, chronic sleep disorder is reported. Due to treatment of her lesion, the ni ghttime melatonin secretion was markedly suppressed. For 4 1/2 years, she h as been receiving oral melatonin, which has greatly improved her sleep, wit hout any adverse effects. Sleep difficulties should be considered in the ma nagement of pineal lesions, Melatonin replacement therapy is beneficial for those patients who have deficient melatonin synthesis.