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Updated: May 13, 2026
14:56
An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)
Published on: January 27, 2010
Factors Associated With Postsurgical Pain in Children and Adolescents With Cognitive Dysfunction
Débora Sierra-Núñez1,2, Alejandro Bosch-Alcaraz3,4, Sandra Parada-Almansa1
1Pediatric Surgery Hospitalization Unit, Vall D'hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.
Journal of Clinical Nursing
|May 12, 2026
Summary
Postoperative pain is common in children with cognitive dysfunction, affecting 12.1% of assessments. Female sex and certain cognitive conditions are linked to increased pain intensity in these pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Pediatric Care
- Pain Management
Background:
- Cognitive dysfunction in pediatric patients can impede accurate pain assessment.
- Understanding pain prevalence and associated factors is crucial for effective postoperative care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize pediatric patients with cognitive dysfunction experiencing postoperative pain.
- To determine the prevalence of pain and identify associated factors in this population.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive observational, cross-sectional study was conducted.
- Included were children and adolescents within 72 hours post-surgery with cognitive dysfunction.
- Pain intensity was assessed using the revised Face, Legs, Activity, Cry and Consolability (FLACC) scale.
Main Results:
- 12.1% of 1072 pain assessments indicated moderate to severe pain.
- Girls reported more intense pain post-analgesia compared to boys.
- Higher pre-analgesia pain intensity was associated with neurodegenerative disease and autism spectrum disorder.
Conclusions:
- Female sex and specific baseline cognitive conditions are associated with more intense postsurgical pain in children with cognitive dysfunction.
- Hospital pain management protocols need to differentiate care for patients with and without cognitive dysfunction.
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