Effect of melatonin on nocturnal blood pressure: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - PubMed (original) (raw)

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Effect of melatonin on nocturnal blood pressure: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Ehud Grossman et al. Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2011.

Abstract

Background: Patients with nocturnal hypertension are at higher risk for cardiovascular complications such as myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular insult. Published studies inconsistently reported decreases in nocturnal blood pressure with melatonin.

Methods: A meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of exogenous melatonin in ameliorating nocturnal blood pressure was performed using a random effects model of all studies fitting the inclusion criteria, with subgroup analysis of fast-release versus controlled-release preparations.

Results: Seven trials (three of controlled-release and four of fast-release melatonin) with 221 participants were included. Meta-analysis of all seven studies did not reveal significant effects of melatonin versus placebo on nocturnal blood pressure. However, subgroup analysis revealed that controlled-release melatonin significantly reduced nocturnal blood pressure whereas fast-release melatonin had no effect. Systolic blood pressure decreased significantly with controlled-release melatonin (-6.1 mmHg; 95% confidence interval [CI] -10.7 to -1.5; P = 0.009) but not fast-release melatonin (-0.3 mmHg; 95% CI -5.9 to 5.30; P = 0.92). Diastolic blood pressure also decreased significantly with controlled-release melatonin (-3.5 mmHg; 95% CI -6.1 to -0.9; P = 0.009) but not fast-release melatonin (-0.2 mmHg; 95% CI -3.8 to 3.3; P = 0.89). No safety concerns were raised.

Conclusion: Add-on controlled-release melatonin to antihypertensive therapy is effective and safe in ameliorating nocturnal hypertension, whereas fast-release melatonin is ineffective. It is necessary that larger trials of longer duration be conducted in order to determine the long-term beneficial effects of controlled-release melatonin in patients with nocturnal hypertension.

Keywords: melatonin; meta-analysis; nocturnal blood pressure.

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Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1

Flowchart of the study selection process.

Figure 2

Figure 2

Effect of FR and CR-melatonin on nocturnal systolic/diastolic BP. Effect of FR and CR-melatonin on systolic blood pressure (left panel) and diastolic blood pressure (right panel). The following parameters are reported: Mean difference (md); Confidence interval (Ci).

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