A preliminary report of parent/nurse-controlled analgesia (PNCA) in infants and preschoolers.

BACKGROUND: infants and young children are often unable to verbalize pain or advocate for themselves which may increase their risk for poor pain assessment and management. Although patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) has been shown to be safe, effective, and superior to intermittent opioid dosing, infants and young children are not able to operate PCA independently. Allowing a parent or nurse to operate the PCA for the child [parent/nurse-controlled analgesia (PNCA)] may be an option for these children. However, the use of PNCA has been heavily scrutinized and more evidence of safety is needed to support this practice. OBJECTIVES: the primary purpose of this study was to evaluate safety outcomes associated with PNCA for infants and preschool aged children. Secondary outcomes regarding the frequency of untoward side effects and clinical effectiveness were also examined. METHODS: a retrospective review of treatment with PNCA was conducted from a convenience sample of charts for 107 infants and preschoolers. Data were collected for 72 hours or until the PNCA was discontinued. RESULTS: one hundred and seven infants and preschoolers with a mean age of 19.6 months (±12.12) were represented in this study. Mean pain scores were low, as was the number of PNCA injections and attempts and amount of opioid administered. Common opioid side effects were reported. Naloxone was administered to 1.9% of patients for respiratory depression, and potential contributing factors were identified. DISCUSSION: diligent monitoring and education are crucial to ensure safety. Untoward side effects adverse events and pain scores suggest PNCA may be an effective method of pain control for this patient population.

Parent/nurse-controlled analgesia for children with developmental delay.

BACKGROUND: Children with developmental delay are often unable to verbalize pain or advocate for themselves owing to cognitive, motor, or verbal limitations, which puts them at increased risk for poor pain assessment and management. Although patient-controlled analgesia has been shown to be safe, effective, and superior to intermittent opioid dosing, not all children can operate patient-controlled analgesia independently. Parent/nurse-controlled analgesia (PNCA) may be an option for these children. However, the safety and efficacy of PNCA have not been thoroughly evaluated and many practitioners are reluctant to use it. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes associated with PNCA in pediatric patients with identified developmental delay. METHODS: A retrospective review of treatment with PNCA was conducted from a convenience sample of charts for 71 children with developmental delay. Data were collected for 72 hours or until the PNCA was discontinued, whichever came first. RESULTS: Mean pain scores were low, as was the amount of opioid required to keep patients comfortable. Side effects, with the exception of oxygen therapy, were similar to previous studies regarding PNCA. Somnolence and respiratory depression leading to the administration of naloxone occurred in 2.8% of patients, and potential causes were identified. DISCUSSION: Pain scores, side effects, and adverse events suggest that PNCA may be an effective method of pain control for children with developmental delay. Diligent monitoring and education are crucial to ensure safety.