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Updated: May 13, 2026

An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)
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
PubMed

Insights

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.
Abstract

Keywords:
cognitive dysfunctionpaediatricspainpostsurgical care

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