New Nociception Monitor Proves Valuable for Measurement of Pain in Sedated Children

Background: Measurement of pain is subjective, which can be problematic in very young children. Objective: To investigate the association between children’s pain/distress levels, sedation type, nociception, and pain intensity in sedated children undergoing minimally invasive dental treatment. Design: Randomized clinical trial. Participants: Young children with Frankl negative or definitely negative behavior and dental caries. Methods: Children were randomized into 2 groups: intranasal dexmedetomidine 2.0 μg/kg with ketamine 1.0 mg/kg and dexmedetomidine 2.5 μg/kg only. Pediatric dentists performed selective caries removal and high-viscosity glass ionomer cement. Local anesthesia, rubber dam, and handpieces were not used. An Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI) monitor (PhysioDoloris, MetroDoloris™, Lille, France) was used as an objective measure. Calibrated observers assessed patient pain/distress using the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) scale. Pa more...