Background There is limited information regarding the effects of pediatric chronic pain management on the number and cost of chronic pain–related emergency department (ED) consultations. Aim This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the number and costs of chronic pain–related ED consultations of children and adolescents with chronic pain conditions at the Montreal Children’s Hospital (MCH). Methods Charts of patients followed by the Edwards Family Interdisciplinary Center for Complex Pain (CCP) of the MCH between April 2017 and December 2018 were reviewed. ED consultations, specialist consultations, medication prescriptions, hospital admissions, and outpatient consultation referrals were assessed for the period of 1 year before and after the patients’ first consultation with the CCP. Associated costs were also calculated. Results One-hundred sixty-eight patients were included in the analysis. Fifty-one percent consulted the ED and had 151 chronic pain–related ED consultations within 1 year before their initial CCP consultation. In the year following their first CCP consultation, 52 patients (31%) consulted the ED, of which 24 consultations were chronic pain–related (84% reduction). There was an 81% reduction in the costs associated with chronic pain–related ED consultations within 1 year after CCP management. In addition, there was a significant reduction in ED interventions within 1 year after CCP management, though there was no change in medication prescriptions, hospital admissions, or subspecialist consultations. Conclusion Children and adolescents with chronic pain conditions had fewer chronic pain–related ED consultations within 1 year after the first evaluation by an interdisciplinary center for complex pain, contributing to reduced ED costs.

BackgroundThere is increasing evidence for the use of multilevel epidural catheter-guided blood patches to treat spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks in adults. Yet, there are scarce data for their use in children. Furthermore, higher level epidural blood patches are uncommon in both adult and pediatric populations.Case presentationAn adolescent boy with multilevel cerebrospinal fluid leaks associated with status migrainosus failed conservative pain management treatment. As he remained severely symptomatic, epidural blood patches were required to mitigate his symptoms. Given his multilevel leaks, a catheter-guided blood patch approach was used to treat multiple cervicothoracic and thoracolumbar leaks. After three separate uneventful blood patch procedures, the patient was free of symptoms. Other than some rebound intracranial hypertension, the patient maintained full neurological capacity without further complications. Following the resolution of treatment, he has not sought help for pain since his last blood patch over a year ago.ConclusionsMultilevel catheter-guided blood patches have the potential to be administered to higher level spinal regions to the pediatric population suffering from multiple spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

Background: There is increasing evidence for the use of bisphosphonates to treat Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in adults. However, there are scarce data for their use in children with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.Aim: This retrospective case series aimed to analyze the effects of intravenous bisphosphonate use in children and adolescents with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome enrolled in a multidimensional pain treatment program. Methods:We analyzed the data of 16 patients (15 females and 1 male, mean age 14 ± 3 years) who received infusions of zoledronic acid (0.015 ± 0.0044mg/kg), pamidronate (0.72 ± 0.17mg/kg), or both depending on their initial response between October 2014 and December 2019. The primary endpoint of the study was the patient's global impression of change. Secondary outcomes included pain intensity, physical function, role function (school attendance), need for pain medications, and adverse effects.Results: Nine of 16 patients reported meaningful improvements (global impressions of change of 84% or higher) at a median follow-up time of 16 (8-21) months after their last infusion of bisphosphonates. There were also meaningful reductions in pain intensity and the need for pain medications. There was an increase in the proportion of patients with minimal or without physical disability, and almost all patients normalized their school activities. Thirteen patients (81%) reported adverse effects, mostly flu-like symptoms, for a few days after the infusion. Conclusion:The use of bisphosphonate infusions may represent an effective treatment option for children with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, not responding to multidisciplinary pain treatment programs. K E Y W O R D Sadolescent, bisphosphonates, child, chronic pain, complex regional pain syndromes