The Safeness and Effectiveness of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs When Used Postoperatively in Pediatric Patients

Abstract

The purpose of this study will be to examine the effect of routine use of NSAIDs compared to opioids and its complications in postoperative pain management in the pediatric population. We hypothesize that NSAIDs are a safe and effective alternative to opioids for the management of post-operation pain in the pediatric population. Patients between the age 0 – 17 years-old admitted to the PICU at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia between July 2018 to June 2020 were enrolled in the study. Then postoperative chart review and survey was conducted. It was found that those who took NSAIDs reported similar analgesic effects as those who took opioids; however, those who took opioids reported a higher incidence of side effects. Therefore, we believe NSAIDs are a safe and effective way to manage the pediatric pain after an operation. NSAIDs can be used alternatively to opioids or to reduce opioid usage.