No abstract

In children, single doses of ibuprofen (4-10 mg/kg) and acetaminophen (7-15 mg/kg) have similar efficacy for relieving moderate to severe pain, and similar safety as analgesics or antipyretics. Ibuprofen (5-10 mg/kg) was a more effective antipyretic than acetaminophen (10-15 mg/kg) at 2, 4, and 6 hours posttreatment.

Reviews the various settings in which infants, children, and adolescents experience pain during acute medical procedures, and issues related to referral of children to pain management teams. In addition, self-report, reports by others, physiological monitoring, and direct observation methods of assessment of pain and related constructs are discussed and recommendations provided. Pharmacological, other medical approaches, and empirically supported cognitive behavioral interventions are reviewed. Salient features of the interventions are discussed and recommendations are made for necessary components of effective treatment interventions.

Although parental presence may not have a clear, direct influence on child distress and behavioural outcomes, there are potential advantages for parents. It seems appropriate that clinicians provide parents with the opportunity to be present during their child's painful procedure.