{
  "abstract": "Aim A service evaluation was conducted to identify the current prescribing practice of anti-neuropathic agents [amitriptyline, gabapentin, pregabalin, and lidocaine medicated plasters], for the management of persistent postsurgical pain (PPSP) in children and young people attending a paediatric, tertiary referral, chronic pain centre.Method Retrospective data was obtained from electronic patient records, to identify starting doses of anti-neuropathic drugs, maximum drug regimens, duration of therapy, diagnostic sub-categories of patients being treated, and the incidence of side-effects and serious adverse events.Discussion PPSP has been identified in the paediatric population following major surgical procedures (Walker 2015). While there is no evidence-based guidance for the use of pharmacological agents [including tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentinoids and topical local anaesthetic patches] in children with PPSP; they may be prescribed for PPSP on a trial basis and continued based on their efficacy and the occurrence of side effects (Williams et al 2017).Importance This service evaluation aims to contribute to the evidence for the ongoing use of anti-neuropathic medications in children and young people with PPSP and enable prescribers to make more informed choices when managing children and young people with PPSP.References Walker S. Pain after surgery in children: clinical recommendations. Current Opinion in Anaesthesiology 2015;28(5):570–6.Williams G, Howard RF, Liossi C. Persistent postsurgical pain in children and young people: prediction, prevention, and management. Pain Reports 21 Aug 2017;2(5):e616.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Becky Saul"
    }
  ],
  "title": "4 Anti-neuropathic drug use in children & young people with persistent post-surgical pain – A service evaluation",
  "uid": "22377dcd-e7c7-5e08-bb6c-9633cab4e787"
}