During the past decade certain types of pain in children have been the subject of much research and discussion. The pain associated with cancer, sickle cell disease, and the preoperative and post-operative periods have all been extensively studied and reviewed.1-4 Less information is available about acute pain inflicted in emergency rooms. Children commonly undergo procedures such as venipuncture, intravenous cannulation, lumbar puncture, and manipulation of fractures in emergency rooms without the benefit of any analgesia.
What techniques are available to reduce the pain and anxiety that children feel when they undergo procedures? Traditionally, physicians have tried to reduce pain by using pharmacological agents.
The association between timely opioid administration and hospitalization in children with sickle cell disease presenting to the emergency department in acute pain