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Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Determining Pain Detection and Tolerance Thresholds Using an Integrated, Multi-Modal Pain Task Battery
Published on: April 14, 2016
[Systemic analgesia adapted to the children's condition]
1Département d'anesthésiologie, anesthésie pédiatrique, hôpital Cantonal, Lucerne, Switzerland. joehrmartin@bluewin.ch <joehrmartin@bluewin.ch>
Insights
Balanced analgesia strategies, including NSAIDs and acetaminophen, offer effective pain relief for children. However, careful consideration of patient comorbidities like renal impairment and bleeding risk is crucial for safe pain management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pain Management
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Balanced analgesia involves a multimodal approach using NSAIDs, acetaminophen, opioids, and corticosteroids.
- This strategy can be adapted for pediatric patients with pre-existing conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the principles of balanced analgesia in pediatric patients.
- To highlight the appropriate and cautious use of analgesics based on patient-specific factors and comorbidities.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and clinical guidelines on pediatric pain management.
- Analysis of the efficacy and safety profiles of NSAIDs, acetaminophen, opioids, and corticosteroids in children.
Main Results:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective for moderate acute pain in children but require caution in those with renal impairment or bleeding tendencies.
- Corticosteroids may offer additional benefits for asthma symptoms alongside pain relief in pediatric patients.
- Opioids and NSAIDs should be used cautiously in non-intubated children with cerebral trauma due to risks of sedation and bleeding.
- Oral sucrose or glucose effectively minimizes pain in neonates and infants during brief procedures.
Conclusions:
- Balanced analgesia requires careful selection of agents based on the child's age, condition, and comorbidities.
- Individualized pain management plans are essential to maximize efficacy and minimize risks in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
A concept of balanced analgesia using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol (acetaminophen), opioids, and corticosteroids can also be used in patients with pre-existing illnesses. NSAIDs are the most effective treatment for acute pain of moderate intensity in children; however, these drugs should be avoided in patients at increased risk for serious side effects, e.g. patients with renal impairment, bleeding tendency, or extreme prematurity. NSAIDs can be given with minimal risks to the younger child with mild to moderate asthma, and, in these patients, the use of steroids can be encouraged; in addition to their antiemetic and analgesic action, a beneficial effect on asthma symptoms can be expected. In the non-intubated child with cerebral trauma, exaggerated sedation caused by opioids and increased bleeding tendency caused by NSAIDs must be avoided. In neonates and small infants, the oral administration of sucrose or glucose is helpful to minimize pain reaction during short uncomfortable interventions.
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