Archives de pédiatrie : organe officiel de la Sociéte française de pédiatrie
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Recent research about nociceptive pathways in newborn infants have shown that, even very immature, preterm infants have all the anatomical and functional components required for the perception of painful stimuli. However, the perception of pain in preterm infants is thought to be slightly different from that of term infants: because of a lack of myelination of their sensitive fibers and a still immature cortical organization of the somatosensory system, painful stimuli are perceived more widespread and durable. ⋯ Finally, abnormal behavioural imprinting secondary to early painful stimuli is now suggested. Thus in contrast with the former misconception of "insensitivity towards pain", premature infants must be now considered as "hypersensitive" and vulnerable.
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The development of patient controlled analgesia (PCA) in children is the result of a search for an analgesia being both maximally efficient and secure, in the management of severe pain. The technique is based on self infusions of an analgesic, mainly morphine, by the child, through a special pump. ⋯ PCA is applicable to children older than 5 years. The main indications are post-operative and oncological pains.