I am a
Home I AM A Search Login

Papers of the Week


2022 Sep


Anasthesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther


57


9

[Perioperative Pain Management in Children].

Authors

Oppitz F, Hindriks-Keegstra A, Kaufmann J
Anasthesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther. 2022 Sep; 57(9):536-549.
PMID: 36049738.

Abstract

Acute pain therapy in children is highly complex. Already preoperatively, the course for a successful therapy is set in the interaction with the child and parents. The goal of the treatment is a satisfied child. This means the use of empathy and therapy planning aimed at a balance between effect and side effect and functionality. Modern concepts are opioid-sparing and procedure-specific. Regional anaesthesia plays a major role, among other things due to excellent safety data. Knowledge of age- and block-specific local anaesthetic dosages is essential. Little is known about pharmacodynamic data of analgesics in children. Although knowledge about pharmacokinetic characteristics is increasing, off-label use of analgesics is inevitable. International databases such as the Kinderformularium provide up-to-date information. When using opioids, rules for safe handling must be followed both in terms of use and prescribing. Non-opioids and adjuvants – individually or in combination – have an established place in perioperative pain management. Non-pharmacological interventions can reduce anxiety and pain. Anxiety is one of the risk factors for chronic postsurgical pain.