Factors Associated With Postsurgical Pain in Children and Adolescents With Cognitive Dysfunction

ABSTRACT

Aim

To describe the characteristics of paediatric postoperative patients with cognitive dysfunction and assess the prevalence of pain and associated factors.

Desing

A descriptive observational study.

Methods

Cross-sectional study in children and adolescents who had undergone surgery in the previous 72 h with cognitive dysfunction impeding verbal communication of pain. The Spanish-language version of the revised Face, Legs, Activity, Cry and Consolability scale was used to assess pain intensity.

Results

The 51 included patients underwent 1072 pain assessments. Moderate to severe pain was detected in 12.1% of the evaluations (n = 130). Girls showed more intense pain after analgesia than boys. Higher pain intensity before analgesia was associated with neurodegenerative disease and autism spectrum disorder.

Conclusion

In children with cognitive dysfunction, female sex and baseline cognitive conditions seem to be associated with more intense postsurgical pain.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Hospital pain management protocols should differentiate between patients with cognitive dysfunction and patients with neurotypical development.

Impact

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This study addresses the prevalence of postsurgical pain in paediatric patients with cognitive dysfunction and associated factors

12.1% of postsurgical evaluations showed moderate to severe pain. Female sex and baseline cognitive conditions seem to be associated with more intense postsurgical pain.

This research will have an impact on the care of paediatric patients with cognitive dysfunction in postsurgical hospitalization units.

Reporting Method

This study was performed according to EQUATOR GUIDELINES and the STROBE statement.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.