Abstracts
22 September 2025
Vol. 2 No. s1 (2025): 48th National Conference of the Italian Association for the Study of Pain

PAIN IN CHILDREN: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF PRIMARY SOURCES

G. Fedelfranco1, F. Caramia2 | 1Social Health District ASL Bari, U.O. PUA/UVM (Single Access Door Operating Unit/Multidimensional Evaluation Unit), Bari; 2ASL Local Health Authority, Brindisi

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INTRODUCTION
Paediatric pain is a complex phenomenon that significantly affects physical, emotional, and social development. Effective assessment and treatment are crucial, as inadequate pain management may lead to long-term adverse outcomes. This systematic review aims to synthesise the current scientific evidence regarding the manifestations, aetiology, and intervention strategies related to pain in children.
METHODOLOGY
This review is based on original research articles and clinical studies published between 2010 and 2023. Exclusion criteria included non–peer-reviewed papers, systematic reviews, and articles not written in English. A systematic search was conducted across multiple bibliographic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Embase. Keywords included "paediatric pain," "pain management in children," and "pain assessment." Data were analysed using integrated qualitative and quantitative methods, focusing on prevalence, assessment tools, and intervention strategies.
RESULTS
Chronic pain affects an estimated 10–20% of children in various populations. Numerous pain assessment tools were identified, though many lack specific validation for paediatric use. Pharmacological treatments, including analgesics and anaesthetics, alongside non-pharmacological approaches such as cognitive-behavioural therapy and music therapy, have shown efficacy. However, access to these treatments is inconsistent across regions.
CONCLUSIONS
Managing paediatric pain presents substantial clinical challenges. The adoption of evidence-based practices and the encouragement of further research are essential to improving both assessment and treatment. A multidisciplinary approach is critical to addressing the complexity of paediatric pain and ensuring optimal patient care.

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Citations

1. McGrath, P. J., Pain, M. (2013). Pediatric pain: a comprehensive approach. Journal of Pain Management, 6(2), 123-130.
2. Schechter, N. L., & Zempsky, W. T. (2014). Pain in children: a global perspective. Pediatrics, 134(4), e1092-e1103.
3. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). The management of pain in children. Pediatrics, 137(3), e20160101.
4. Hecimovic, A., Jankovic, J. (2020). Pediatric Pain Management: A Review of Current Strategies. Clinical Pediatrics, 59(10), 944-951.

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1.
PAIN IN CHILDREN: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF PRIMARY SOURCES: G. Fedelfranco1, F. Caramia2 | 1Social Health District ASL Bari, U.O. PUA/UVM (Single Access Door Operating Unit/Multidimensional Evaluation Unit), Bari; 2ASL Local Health Authority, Brindisi. Adv Health Res [Internet]. 2025 Sep. 22 [cited 2025 Oct. 14];2(s1). Available from: https://www.ahr-journal.org/site/article/view/69