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We report several cases in which pediatric patients at our institution have elevated lidocaine levels in toxicology screens after subcutaneous injection of lidocaine using a needle-free device. The purpose of this article is to report 4 cases in which pediatric patients have elevated lidocaine levels in toxicology screens after J-Tip administration. In particular, the article highlights 2 cases in which children younger than 3 years had lidocaine levels in the toxic range. Although the literature has reported the device to be effective with no significant untoward effects in children as young as 3 years, it seems that no information is available for children younger than 3 years. From a quality assurance/safety perspective, a summary is provided as our institutional response to concerns raised over what is typically thought to be a benign and beneficial intervention in children.

Anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) is a commonly overlooked source of chronic abdominal wall pain. A diagnosis of ACNES should be considered in cases of severe, localized abdominal pain that is accentuated by physical activity. Providers should consider diagnosing ACNES once a patient has both a positive result from a Carnett’s test and precise localization of pain. We describe the use of transversus abdominus plane (TAP) blocks to treat ACNES in the pediatric patient population. TAP blocks are a treatment modality which have been described less frequently in the management of this syndrome, with rectus sheath blocks being used more commonly. TAP blocks can be used effectively for ACNES by targeting the site of maximal tenderness, which was identified using ultrasound guidance. Moreover, TAP blocks are an attractive procedure option for ACNES as they are less invasive than other commonly used techniques. We present 3 case series reports of pediatric patients evaluated at our institution for severe abdominal pain to describe the clinical manifestations, sequelae, and outcome of ACNES. Though the exact incidence of ACNES in the pediatric population is unknown, this condition has significant implications from chronic pain. Chronic pain can lead to significant emotional and social impacts on these pediatric patients, as well as their on their families. Further, the extensive utilization of health care resources is impacted when children with undiagnosed ACNES undergo invasive treatments when ACNES is not in the early differential. The purpose of this case series report is to prompt better recognition of the condition ACNES, and to highlight the efficacy of TAP blocks as a management strategy. Key words: TAP block, pediatric patients, abdominal pain, ACNES

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