Cold Pressor Pain Response in Children With Cancer

Brooke N Jenkins1,2, Ryan J Roemer2,3, Ariana Martinez2,4

  • 1Department of Psychology, Chapman University.

Insights

Pediatric cancer patients

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric oncology
  • Pain research
  • Clinical psychology

Background:

  • Pediatric cancer patients experience significant pain during treatment.
  • Understanding pain responses is crucial for effective symptom management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate pain responses in children and adolescents undergoing cancer treatment.
  • To explore the influence of cancer treatment type on pain experience.

Main Methods:

  • Sixty-eight pediatric patients (ages 6-18) with cancer participated.
  • The cold pressor task was used to experimentally induce pain.
  • Pain tolerance and severity were measured using established scales.

Main Results:

  • Children reported average pain severity scores between 5.07 and 5.94.
  • Average pain tolerance was 118.22 seconds, with 40% reaching the 4-minute limit.
  • Patients receiving chemotherapy with potential neuropathic effects showed higher pain tolerance (P=0.027).

Conclusions:

  • This study offers valuable data on experimental pain in pediatric cancer patients.
  • Cancer treatment modality may significantly moderate pain perception and tolerance.
Abstract

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