Using Nitrous Oxide for Pain Relief in Children with Arthritis
Author Information
Author(s): Uziel Yosef, Chapnick Gil, Rothschild Michal, Tauber Tsivia, Press Joseph, Harel Liora, Hashkes Philip J
Primary Institution: Meir Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Israel
Hypothesis
Nitrous oxide (NO) is effective and safe for sedation during intra-articular corticosteroid injections in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
Conclusion
Nitrous oxide provides effective and safe sedation for children with JIA undergoing intra-articular injections.
Supporting Evidence
- 54 procedures were performed with a median pain VAS score of 3.
- 10 patients had a heart rate increase of ≥ 15%, correlating with higher VAS scores.
- All parents, 93% of physicians, and 89% of nurses reported that NO eased the child's pain.
Takeaway
Nitrous oxide helps kids feel less pain and anxiety during joint injections, making the process easier for them.
Methodology
Nitrous oxide was administered to JIA patients scheduled for joint injection, with pain and satisfaction assessed using visual-analog scores and a satisfaction scale.
Limitations
There was no comparison group, and the sample size for subgroup analysis was small.
Participant Demographics
43 patients, 31 females, 12 males; mean age 12.5 years; 32 Jewish, 11 Arab.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.006
Statistical Significance
p = 0.006
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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