Evidence-Based Recommendations for the Appropriate Level of Sedation to Manage Pain in Pediatric Oncology Patients Requiring Procedures: A Systematic Review From the Children’s Oncology Group

Duffy EA, Adams T, Thornton CP, Fisher B, Misasi J, McCollum S. Evidence-Based Recommendations for the Appropriate Level of Sedation to Manage Pain in Pediatric Oncology Patients Requiring Procedures: A Systematic Review From the Children’s Oncology Group [Formula: see text]. J Pediatr Oncol Nurs. 2020 Jan/Feb;37(1):6-20. doi: 10.1177/1043454219858610. Epub 2019 Jul 13. PubMed PMID: 31303100; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC7492720.

Repeated invasive and painful procedures are often necessary components of pediatric cancer treatment. Adequate pain control during procedures is essential; however, procedure-related pain may be underestimated and undertreated. Currently, there is not a standard approach for the appropriate level of sedation to manage procedure-related pain in children with cancer. A team was assembled to review the evidence and develop recommendations to determine the appropriate level of sedation necessary for pain control in patients undergoing pediatric oncology procedures. After a systematic search of the literature, 15 research-based articles were synthesized and critically appraised. A recommendation was made related to the level of sedation utilized for bone marrow aspirates and bone marrow biopsies. There is a need for further research related to the necessary level of sedation for patients undergoing pediatric oncology procedures.