1
|
Palliative Sedation Therapy in Pediatrics: An Algorithm and Clinical Practice Update. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9121887. [PMID: 36553328 PMCID: PMC9776759 DOI: 10.3390/children9121887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Palliative sedation therapy (PST) is an important clinical intervention for pediatric patients with refractory symptoms and suffering during the end-of-life (EOL) period. Variations in PST implementation including medication selection, limited literature regarding feasibility in various clinical settings, particularly non-intensive care units, and lack of education on evolving definitions and ideal practices may all contribute to the current underutilization of this valuable resource. We therefore offer a clinical algorithm for identifying appropriate patients for PST, ensuring all other modalities for symptom management have been considered and/or optimized, and present a guideline for PST implementation that can be adapted and individualized based on institutional experience and resource availability. Furthermore, through case-based clinical scenarios, we demonstrate how to incorporate this algorithm into EOL practice.
Collapse
|
2
|
Hao D, Fiore M, Di Capua C, Gulati A. Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Nerve Blocks: A Practical Review for Acute Cancer-Related Pain. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2022; 26:813-820. [PMID: 36168092 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-022-01089-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Ultrasound-guided regional techniques, including catheter-based approaches, are a subset of interventional therapies that have gained interest as an option for managing acute cancer-related pain. The authors sought to review the available published evidence and to discuss practical recommendations for expanding access to such therapies. RECENT FINDINGS In a MEDLINE/Pubmed search of ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks and peripheral nerve catheters for specific anatomic targets, a total of 28 case reports and case series were identified. Included studies described improved analgesia and reduced opioid requirements with highly variable duration of effect. Current level of evidence remains limited. Pain is a symptom that markedly impacts the quality of life of cancer patients and ultrasound-guided regional techniques are a promising therapeutic option albeit with a limited evidence base. Practical recommendations offered for coordinating access to such therapies in the inpatient, emergency department, and outpatient settings may expand interest and facilitate higher quality research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Hao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Michael Fiore
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher Di Capua
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amitabh Gulati
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shpanskaya K, Lungren MP, Tulin-Silver S. Pediatric Interventional Oncology: Endovascular, Percutaneous, and Palliative Procedures. Semin Roentgenol 2019; 54:359-366. [PMID: 31706369 DOI: 10.1053/j.ro.2019.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew P Lungren
- Department of Radiology, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Windsor RB, Tham SW, Adams TL, Anderson A. The Use of Opioids for Treatment of Pediatric Neuropathic Pain: A Literature Review. Clin J Pain 2019; 35:509-514. [PMID: 30985402 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000000712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric neuropathic pain is caused by a spectrum of disorders that are generally challenging to treat. Many of the underlying altered neurological processes are being elucidated through mechanistic studies. Few randomized control trials have evaluated the use of opioids for the treatment of adult neuropathic pain conditions, and there have been none in pediatric populations. With sparse data to provide guidance and an incomplete understanding of the underlying mechanisms, the use of opioids remains unclear. Our clinical experience and typical risk versus benefit considerations suggest a limited, if any, role for using opioids to treat pediatric neuropathic pain. In this literature review, we review the available adult and pediatric data and provide general guidance on this subject matter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Windsor
- Departments of Pediatrics and Anesthesiology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Prisma Health-Upstate, Greenville, SC
| | - See Wan Tham
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA
| | - Trevor L Adams
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA
| | - Annette Anderson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Affiliation(s)
- John Joseph Collins
- Pain and Palliative Care Service, Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Inserra A, Narciso A, Paolantonio G, Messina R, Crocoli A. Palliative care and pediatric surgical oncology. Semin Pediatr Surg 2016; 25:323-332. [PMID: 27955737 DOI: 10.1053/j.sempedsurg.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Survival rate for childhood cancer has increased in recent years, reaching as high as 70% in developed countries compared with 54% for all cancers diagnosed in the 1980s. In the remaining 30%, progression or metastatic disease leads to death and in this framework palliative care has an outstanding role though not well settled in all its facets. In this landscape, surgery has a supportive actor role integrated with other welfare aspects from which are not severable. The definition of surgical palliation has moved from the ancient definition of noncurative surgery to a group of practices performed not to cure but to alleviate an organ dysfunction offering the best quality of life possible in all the aspects of life (pain, dysfunctions, caregivers, psychosocial, etc.). To emphasize this aspect a more modern definition has been introduced: palliative therapy in whose context is comprised not only the care assistance but also the plans of care since the onset of illness, teaching the matter to surgeons in training and share paths. Literature is very poor regarding surgical aspects specifically dedicated and all researches (PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane) with various meshing terms result in a more oncologic and psychosocial effort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Inserra
- General Pediatric and Thoracic Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children׳s Hospital-Research Institute, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Narciso
- General Pediatric and Thoracic Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children׳s Hospital-Research Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Paolantonio
- Interventional Radiology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children׳s Hospital-Research Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Messina
- Neurosurgery Unit, Bambino Gesù Children׳s Hospital-Research Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Crocoli
- General Pediatric and Thoracic Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children׳s Hospital-Research Institute, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Pain is a common and highly distressing symptom in pediatric patients with advanced malignancies. Prompt recognition, assessment, and treatment of pain are necessary, especially at the end of life. Opioid medications remain the mainstay of treatment of malignant pain in children at the end of life and the amount of opioids required for adequate pain control in patients is highly variable. Nonpharmacological approaches including behavioral and physical approaches in addition to non-opioid pain medications should be used when possible to augment pain control. Identification and treatment of any underlying pathology is important and use of adjuvant medications based on pathophysiology and source of pain should be considered. In cases where adequate pain control is not achieved through these multiple modalities, an interdisciplinary approach including potential interventional techniques and alternative treatments is required. This multimodal approach to pain management is best provided by interdisciplinary teams, as these teams can best address the complex causes of pain and associated distress that occurs in patients and within families.
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP), due to a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system, is not well documented or researched in children. NP is a clinical diagnosis that can be difficult, especially in younger children. Nevertheless, it is important to recognise NP, as pain mechanisms and consequently management and prognosis differ from other types of long-term pain. NP is common in adult pain clinics but many of the underlying disease states in which it occurs are infrequently or never encountered in paediatric practice. However, NP in childhood has been reported, even in the very young in certain clinical situations. Causes of NP include traumatic injury, complex regional pain syndrome type II, cancer and chemotherapy, chronic infection, neurological and metabolic disease, and inherited sensory nerve dysfunction. The clinical and laboratory study of traumatic peripheral nerve injury has revealed important age-related differences in clinical presentation and prognosis. It is clear that mechanisms operating during development can profoundly modify the consequences of nerve damage and NP. Clinically, diagnosis, assessment and treatment of NP are based on methods and evidence derived from data in adults. Improvements in the understanding and management of NP are likely to come from developmentally appropriate improvements in the clarity and consistency of diagnosis and systematic, well-researched approaches to treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard F Howard
- Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, , London, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rork JF, Berde CB, Goldstein RD. Regional anesthesia approaches to pain management in pediatric palliative care: a review of current knowledge. J Pain Symptom Manage 2013; 46:859-73. [PMID: 23541741 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2013.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Revised: 12/31/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Although systemic analgesic therapies are the mainstay of pain treatment in pediatric palliative care, there are cases where they fail to adequately relieve symptoms or produce side effects that undermine effectiveness. Regional anesthesia may be considered as a potential therapy for these patients. OBJECTIVES To review the literature on regional techniques in pediatric patients with life-limiting and chronic conditions, including pain from tumor infiltration, chest pain in advanced pulmonary disease, chronic abdominal pain, phantom limb pain, and spasticity and dystonia. Where relevant, the authors' clinical experiences are included. METHODS References were identified by searches of PubMed from 1980 until June 2012 with related terms. RESULTS Case reports and case series were identified for each condition. Regional anesthesia techniques performed included central neuraxial infusions, peripheral nerve and plexus blocks or infusions, neurolytic blocks, and implanted intrathecal ports and pumps for baclofen, opioids, local anesthetics, and other adjuvants. The reports described positive contributions to the management of moderate-to-severe pain. Clinical context for these techniques frequently included the failure of systemic treatments and/or intolerable medication side effects. Complications varied according to the procedure and the underlying patient pathology; however, these risks were often acceptable when the potential benefits were consistent with the overall goals of care. CONCLUSION The present medical literature on regional anesthesia techniques in children receiving palliative care is limited to case reports and case series. Based on this evidence, recommendations must be provisional. Careful thought and discussion with pain management specialists are encouraged when pain symptoms are inadequately managed or the treatments produce deleterious side effects.
Collapse
|
10
|
Anghelescu DL, Faughnan LG, Baker JN, Yang J, Kane JR. Use of epidural and peripheral nerve blocks at the end of life in children and young adults with cancer: the collaboration between a pain service and a palliative care service. Paediatr Anaesth 2010; 20:1070-7. [PMID: 21199115 PMCID: PMC4403725 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9592.2010.03449.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinicians may avoid continuous pain blocks in pediatric cancer patients at the end of life for fear of complications or of interfering with the desired location of death. OBJECTIVES To examine the impact of epidural or peripheral nerve catheters on pain control in children and young adults with cancer within the last 3 months of life. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records to assess pain scores, systemic opioid requirements, and impact on death at the preferred location. RESULTS Ten patients (4.4-21.3 years of age), nine with solid tumors, one with lymphoma, had 14 devices (11 epidural, 3 peripheral nerve catheters) for a range of 3-81 days. Twelve of 13 catheters provided improvement by at least one of three criteria: improved mean pain scores at 24 h (8 of 13) and decreased opioid requirement at 24 h in nine cases and at day 5 in nine cases. Eight patients died in their preferred setting. Six patients had catheters (five epidural, one peripheral) until death, including two who died at home. In some cases, typical contraindications for indwelling catheters (spinal metastasis, vertebral fracture, thrombocytopenia, fever) were superseded by palliative care needs. We found no bleeding, infectious, or neurological complications. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that continuous catheter-delivered pain blockade at the end of life contributes to analgesia, moderates opioid requirements, and usually does not preclude death at the preferred location.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lane G. Faughnan
- Division of Anesthesiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Justin N. Baker
- Division of Palliative and End-of-Life Care, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Javier R. Kane
- Division of Palliative and End-of-Life Care, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Raphael J, Hester J, Ahmedzai S, Barrie J, Farqhuar-Smith P, Williams J, Urch C, Bennett MI, Robb K, Simpson B, Pittler M, Wider B, Ewer-Smith C, DeCourcy J, Young A, Liossi C, McCullough R, Rajapakse D, Johnson M, Duarte R, Sparkes E. Cancer pain: part 2: physical, interventional and complimentary therapies; management in the community; acute, treatment-related and complex cancer pain: a perspective from the British Pain Society endorsed by the UK Association of Palliative Medicine and the Royal College of General Practitioners. PAIN MEDICINE 2010; 11:872-96. [PMID: 20456069 DOI: 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2010.00841.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This discussion document about the management of cancer pain is written from the pain specialists' perspective in order to provoke thought and interest in a multimodal approach to the management of cancer pain, not just towards the end of life, but pain at diagnosis, as a consequence of cancer therapies, and in cancer survivors. It relates the science of pain to the clinical setting and explains the role of psychological, physical, interventional and complementary therapies in cancer pain. METHODS This document has been produced by a consensus group of relevant healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom and patients' representatives making reference to the current body of evidence relating to cancer pain. In the second of two parts, physical, invasive and complementary cancer pain therapies; treatment in the community; acute, treatment-related and complex cancer pain are considered. CONCLUSIONS It is recognized that the World Health Organization (WHO) analgesic ladder, whilst providing relief of cancer pain towards the end of life for many sufferers world-wide, may have limitations in the context of longer survival and increasing disease complexity. To complement this, it is suggested that a more comprehensive model of managing cancer pain is needed that is mechanism-based and multimodal, using combination therapies including interventions where appropriate, tailored to the needs of an individual, with the aim to optimize pain relief with minimization of adverse effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jon Raphael
- Faculty of Health, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Affiliation(s)
- N I Cherny
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Saroyan JM, Schechter WS, Tresgallo ME, Granowetter L. Role of intraspinal analgesia in terminal pediatric malignancy. J Clin Oncol 2005; 23:1318-21. [PMID: 15718332 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2005.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J M Saroyan
- Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian, 622 W 168th St BHN4-440, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Different mechanisms of cancer pain may involve somatic, visceral, and neural tissues. Pain that involves the neural tissues is classified as neuropathic pain and is less responsive to analgesics than pain that involves somatic and visceral tissues. Because young children are unable to describe the quality of pain, presence of neuropathic pain with cancer may be unrecognized and undetected. The purpose of this article is to explain the nature of neuropathic pain, to review the literature related to children with cancer that suggests the presence of neuropathic pain, to outline assessment strategies that may lead to appropriate detection of neuropathic pain in children, and to discuss challenges in the management of neuropathic pain. Future research is needed to characterize the intensity, location, quality, and duration of neuropathic pain in children. In addition, research that would determine the efficacy of opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and adjuvant analgesics (antidepressants, anticonvulsants) is needed to increase the nurses' ability to assess and manage neuropathic pain in children with cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eufemia Jacob
- Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Unrelieved pain may have a major impact on the care of children with cancer. The type and severity of pain experienced by children with cancer varies from acute, procedure-related pain to progressive chronic pain associated with the progression of the disease or sequelae of treatment. Drugs are the mainstay of treatment. Regular pain assessments combined with appropriate analgesic administration at regular dosing intervals, adjunctive drug therapy for control of adverse effects and associated symptoms, and nonpharmacological interventions are recommended. Although standard dosing of opioids adequately treats most cancer pain in children, more complex treatment is required by a significant group. Strategies to improve analgesia include the use of epidural or intrathecal infusions of a combination of opioids and other adjuvants, or other regional anaesthesia techniques. Procedure- and treatment-related pain is an even greater problem than cancer pain. Recommendations have been published with regard to the monitoring and personnel required when children are sedated which aim to set the standard of care and minimize both physical discomfort or pain and negative psychological responses, by providing analgesia; and to maximize the potential for amnesia; and to control behaviour.
Collapse
|
16
|
The indications and applications of interscalene brachial plexus block for surgery about the shoulder. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.acpain.2004.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
17
|
|
18
|
Affiliation(s)
- J D Tobias
- Departments of Child Health and Anesthesiology, The Division of Pediatric Critical Care/Pediatric Anesthesiology, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Queinnec MC, Estève M, Vedrenne J. Positive effect of regional analgesia (RA) in terminal stage paediatric chondrosarcoma: a case report and the review of the literature. Pain 1999; 83:383-5. [PMID: 10534612 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3959(99)00092-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A 10-year-old girl was treated for progressive left pelvic chondrosarcoma and severe local pain radiating to the ipsilateral lower extremity. Despite high doses of opioids, pain was poorly controlled and treatment resulted in urine retention and constipation. Positive effect on pain (143 out of 181 days) was obtained by regional analgesia. Continuous lumbar epidural opioid infusion led to pain relief and disappearance of symptoms. Port-catheter dysfunction necessitated a change of epidural catheter and the patient was treated that with morphine, bupivacaine and clonidine plus clonazepam which resulted in relief of constipation and restoration of urinary function. The patient subsequently developed an abscess required or subarachoid infusion (morphine associated with clonazepam, clomipramine and corticosteroids). Later bilateral controlateral cordotomy was performed due to absence of analgesia and the patient subsequently died of tumour progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M C Queinnec
- Institut Curie, 26, rue d'Ulm, 75248 Paris, Cedex, France
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Affiliation(s)
- S Mercadante
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Pain Therapy Section, Palermo, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Portas M, Marty JY, Buttin C, Gentet JC, Coze C, Fallouh K, Bernard JL, Camboulives J. [Refractory pain in children with cancer: role of peridural analgesia]. Arch Pediatr 1998; 5:851-60. [PMID: 9759290 DOI: 10.1016/s0929-693x(98)80125-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adequate treatment of pain in children with cancer is a critical issue, and is of equal importance as discussions concerning chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the treatment of refractory pain by peridural analgesia. METHODS Seven children (1-15 years) with solid tumors were treated with long term epidural analgesia for refractory pain. Catheters were inserted in epidural space (L1-L2) and infused with sufentanil, bupivacaine and clonidine. RESULTS Three out of five children with good response to peridural therapy could be discharged. A 12-month-old infant had a poor response. Treatment was discontinued in a teenager boy because of patient refusal. The side effects were: early catheter displacement in two patients and a bacterial contamination in one. Serious adverse effects related to high doses of opiates were not observed. However, toxicity of bupivacaine was observed in three patients leading to treatment discontinuation in one. CONCLUSION Long-term epidural analgesia looks promising in selected children with refractory pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Portas
- Service d'oncologie pédiatrique, CHU, hôpital d'enfants de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Collins JJ, Grier HE, Sethna NF, Wilder RT, Berde CB. Regional anesthesia for pain associated with terminal pediatric malignancy. Pain 1996; 65:63-69. [PMID: 8826491 DOI: 10.1016/0304-3959(95)00193-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to identify the characteristics of children who required regional anesthesia for pain associated with terminal malignancy and to identify the safety, tolerability and effectiveness of regional anesthesia as an analgesic modality in terminal pediatric malignancy. A retrospective examination was made of the medical records of children who died of malignancy following treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts and who required either epidural or subarachnoid infusions, or neurolytic blockade for pain management (June, 1986--April, 1994) during the terminal phase of their illness. Eleven patients were identified, with a duration of epidural or subarachnoid infusions ranging from 3 days to 7 weeks. Indications for this intervention included limiting side effects of opioids, neuropathic pain unresponsive to either rapid escalation of opioids or massive opioid infusions, analgesia for thoracocenteses for the drainage of malignant pleural effusions and instillation of intrapleural chemotherapy. Pain was localized to one area in ll patients. Analgesia was judged to be satisfactory in all cases after regional anesthesia was instituted and remained satisfactory in all cases throughout the treatment course. Complications associated with regional anesthesia included dural puncture headache and mild respiratory depression. Five patients were nursed at home with either epidural or subarachnoid infusions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John J Collins
- Pain Treatment Service, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA Department of Anesthesia, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA Department of Medicine, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
Familiarity with potentially useful anesthetic and neurosurgical techniques is important in the management of patients who are unable to achieve a satisfactory balance between analgesia and side effects from systemic analgesic therapies. The ability to make specific recommendations is limited by the paucity of controlled data, incorporating details of pain syndromes, prior therapies, validated pain assessment, meticulous reporting of adverse effects, and longitudinal follow-up.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N I Cherny
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | | |
Collapse
|