Kambakutaisoto Treatment for Children With Night Crying and Arousal Parasomnias Developed During Prolonged Hospitalization for Hematological and Oncological Diseases

Abstract

Objective: The lack of an established treatment standard prompted an examination of whether kambakutaisoto, an herbal formula, is effective for non–rapid eye movement (NREM)–related parasomnias and night crying (provisionally defined as an infantile form of arousal parasomnia). Methods: This study included 137 children aged median 4.1 years (range, 0.02–18.5) who were admitted for hematological and oncological diseases. Results: Of 137, 3 children developed recurrent episodes of NREM-related parasomnias, and 3 developed night crying. The proportion of children with night-crying/parasomnia receiving invasive procedures was significantly higher than those without (100% vs. 47%, P = .013). All 6 children with night crying/parasomnia received kambakutaisoto at a dose of 0.13–0.22 g/kg per os and responded from the start of administration with a significant reduction in the number of episodes. No adverse effects were observed. Conclusion: Kambakutaisoto may be a safe and promising therapy for night crying and NREM-related parasomnias in children.