PO-0840Parent-reported Pain In Non-verbal Children And Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy

• Published in: Archives of disease in childhood Vol. 99; no. Suppl 2; pp. A527 - A528
• Main Authors: Jayanath, S, Ong, L C, Marret, MJ, Ahmad Fauzi, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.10.2014
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2014-307384.1470
• ISSN: 0003-9888

Background and aimsThis study aimed to (i) determine the prevalence of parent-reported pain among non-verbal children with cerebral palsy (CP), (ii) determine the frequency and intensity of pain and (iii) explore associations with medical, parental and socioeconomic factors.MethodsThe study was cross-sectional. Participants were parents of non-verbal CP outpatients at University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur and two centres in the surrounding area. Patients were aged 2-19 years. Written informed consent was obtained. The Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (CPCHILD copyright ) Questionnaire and a separate proforma were utilised for assessment of frequency and intensity of pain during the preceeding 4 weeks. Parental psychosocial well being was assessed via the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS).ResultsThe response rate was 94%, including 104 children (54 boys, 50 girls). The majority (51%) had GMFCS level V and 65% had spastic quadriplegia. Reported pain was 65%. The most frequent and intense pain was during physiotherapy. Nineteen (18%) reported that their children experienced pain >1 time per day and 10% reported daily pain. Severe pain was reported by 17%. There were no significant factors associated with frequency of pain. Older children (p < 0.05), those with spastic quadriplegia (p < 0.05) and poorer quality of life (p < 0.05) had more intense pain. GMFCS level, gender, co-morbidities, parental psychosocial scores, parental education and income were not significant modifying factors of intensity of pain.ConclusionRecognition of pain in non-verbal CP patients is crucial for holistic management.