Cancer Pain, Regional Risks


Development of the World Health Organization Guidelines on cancer pain relief and palliative care in children
McGrath PA, Journal of Pain Symptom Manage 1996; 12:87-92
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In this review of the rationale, history and content of the WHO Guidelines on cancer pain relief and palliative care in children, Dr. McGrath provides a cogent practical summary of the current thinking on this topic. In addition, the specific recommendations for pain assessment, administration of analgesic and adjuvant drugs, and application of non-pharmacologic pain interventions are applicable to all children in pain. This brief but highly informative overview can provide useful information to anyone caring for these vulnerable patients.

Epidemiology and morbidity of regional anesthesia in children: A one-year prospective survey of the French Language Society of Pediatric Anesthesiologists
Giaufre, E. et al Anesth Analg 1996; 83:904-12
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(accompanying editorial) Regional anesthesia in children: What have we learned?
Berde, C. Anesth Anelgesia 1996; 83:897-900

Over the past 15 years, there has been a rapid expansion world-wide in the use of regional anesthetics for infants and children. Formal prospective reviews, like this one designed by the French Language Society of Pediatric Anesthesiologists, of the safety of any major change in practice are important. Dr. Berde's accompanying editorial places the survey in the context of practice in this country. He also asks and addresses the three major relevant questions: "Why is safety a particular concern with pediatric regional anesthesia?" "How safe is regional anesthesia in children?" and "Which are preferable, peripheral blocks or central blocks?".

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