This technical report summarizes the results of a systematic review designed to support the American Academy of Pediatrics' "Clinical Practice Guideline: Opioid Prescribing for Acute Pain Management in Children and Adolescents in Outpatient Settings." PubMed and Excerpta Medica Database were searched from 2010 to 2023 to identify randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews related to outpatient opioid prescribing to children. Overall, 11 randomized controlled trials were included. Although data were limited, no evidence was found that pain control by opioids is superior to nonopioid alternatives. Further, opioids are often associated with adverse events. The review also suggests that family and patient education and providing disposal methods may decrease risks associated with opioid prescription. Future studies can build on this foundation of evidence to support the appropriate use of opioids for acute pain in children treated in the outpatient setting.
| Discipline Area | Score |
|---|---|
| Physician |  |
Physician rater
"Many of the CPG's key action statements are based on expert opinion and observational studies. These observational studies are not summarized in this technical report."
Physician rater
According to opioid guidelines that limit opioid use in children, I rarely use opioids for my patients who are children because opioid side effects in children are much higher than in adults.
Physician rater
This was identified as appropriate for the discipline of "Primary care." I'm hopeful that essentially all outpatient primary care providers know "no evidence was found that pain control by opioids is superior to nonopioid alternatives" and "opioids are often associated with adverse events."
, McMaster University