Pain
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Trial methodology was evaluated in paediatric analgesic studies. Databases were searched for randomised, placebo controlled studies of systemic paracetamol, NSAIDs and opioids administered for acute postoperative pain in children. Eighty-three studies met the inclusion criteria and 40 were included for the analysis. ⋯ Most patients in the placebo groups had pain that was greater than 30% of the maximum. In conclusion, analysis of the methodology showed several aspects of trial design that can be improved in future studies. Placebo control groups can be used in paediatric analgesic studies to demonstrate internal sensitivity.