Melatonin for the Treatment of DEE-SWAS (NCT07221968) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingPhase 2
Melatonin for the Treatment of DEE-SWAS
3 participantsStarted 2026-07-01
Plain-language summary
The goal of this study is to learn if melatonin, a naturally produced substance, can help to treat some of the symptoms of DEE-SWAS, a type of epilepsy that causes children to lose skills and development. It will look at doses of melatonin that are higher than most people use.
The study will look at the safety of melatonin in patients with DEE-SWAS The study will look at the ways melatonin affects abnormal brain activity on a study called an EEG.
The study will look at the ways melatonin affects normal brain activity that occurs in sleep.
Who can participate
Age range
5 Years – 17 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Dx of DEE-SWAS by a board-certified pediatric neurology/epileptologist Clinical history of delayed milestones in at least 1 category, regression of milestones in at least 1 category, and/or failure to progress in milestones in at least 1 category
. Abnormal baseline neuropsychiatric testing consistent with Dx Abnormal EEG
. Epileptiform abnormalities (spike, polyspike, sharp) in at least 1 head region
. Increase by 2-fold of epileptiform abnormalities during NREM sleep as compared to wakefulness
. SWI of ≥50% in at least one head region on overnight EEG
Exclusion criteria
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Adverse Events
Timeframe: Within 24 hours of dose administration
2
Side effects
Timeframe: Within 24 hours of dose administration
Trial details
NCT IDNCT07221968
SponsorHugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc.
. History of known cardiac rhythm abnormalities, heart failure or decreased EF \<30%
. History of known pulm requiring oxygen or invasive positive pressure ventilation. Patients with non-invasive PPV (e.g. CPAP) due OSA w/o 02 requirement, rate, or DX of CSA, on stable pressure settings for \>3 mnths will not be excluded.
. History of liver dysf OR AST/ALT/AlkPhos \>2.5 ULN w/i year. If lab value meeting exclusion between 3-12 months, a repeat lab value \< 2.5 ULN will be considered for inclusion
. Post-menarchal participants. of childbearing potential with a positive urine pregnancy test