J Korean Pain Soc.  1998 May;11(1):69-73.

A Comparison of Patient Controlled Analgesia and P.R.N. Intramuscular Injection for Postoperative Pain Control in Children and Adolescents

• Lee KC

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The postoperative pain in children and adolescents is most commonly managed by intramuscular injections of NSAIDs or opioids. This approach may result in fluctuating plasma drug levels and cycles of pain, comfort, and sedation. Patient-controlled analgesia(PCA) is a method of analgesia administration that consists of a computer- driven pump with a button that the patient may press to administer a small dose of analgesic drug.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Forty ASA physical status 1 or 2 children and adolescents were divided into two groups. In the PRN group, patients received intramuscularly diclofenac(ValentacR) on a p.r.n. basis. The PCA group patients received a mixture of nalbuphine and ketorolac by WalkMedRPCA infusor. Analgesic efficacy was evaluated with NRS(numerical rating scale) and Faces Pain Rating Scale. The side effects were evaluated.
RESULTS
The patients of PCA group had less pain than those of PRN group. Complications were similar in both group.
CONCLUSION
PCA with nalbuphine and ketorolac is a safe and effecfive methods of pain relief in children and adolescents after surgery, and is better accepted than intramuscular injections.

Keyword

Pain, postoperative children; Analgesia, patient-controlled analgesia

MeSH Terms

Adolescent*
Analgesia
Analgesia, Patient-Controlled*
Analgesics, Opioid
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
Child*
Humans
Infusion Pumps
Injections, Intramuscular*
Ketorolac
Nalbuphine
Pain, Postoperative*
Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis
Plasma
Analgesics, Opioid
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
Ketorolac
Nalbuphine