Clinical Investigation of Protective Effects of Melatonin on Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background: Stroke is one of the leading causes of annual mortality and disability for many individuals worldwide. Ischemic stroke has a high incidence and mortality rate, which significantly affects the quality of life and places an overwhelming mental and financial burden on the patients' families. Melatonin has a neuroprotective effect on patients with acute ischemic stroke. This study aimed to develop the employment of melatonin on clinical features of acute ischemic stroke. Methods: This double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 70 patients with acute ischemic stroke not eligible for reperfusion therapy who were admitted to Bu-Ali Hospital. The consent form was taken, and all of the patients received routine management. Participants were divided into two groups. The 35 patients received 10 mg of melatonin once daily for five days, and others received 10 mg of placebo. National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores were recorded for all patients before treatment and after on days 5, 30, and 90. Results: The 70 patients included in this study were based on inclusion criteria. The severity of stroke and the functional status of patients were compared in both groups. The melatonin group showed a significant reduction in the NIHSS score from day five up to day thirty compared to the placebo group (P = 0.001). There was no difference in the mRS score between the two groups in this study (P > 0.05). The relative frequency of the adverse event of sleepiness in patients receiving melatonin was significantly higher than in patients receiving placebo (P = 0.022). Conclusion: Patients who receive melatonin early after stroke have better improvement in post-stroke recovery and disabilities. These findings verify the results of other studies.