Assessing pain intensity in children with chronic pain: convergent and discriminant validity of the 0 to 10 numerical rating scale in clinical practice.

Background: In clinical practice, children are often asked to rate their pain intensity on a simple 0 to 10 numerical rating scale (NRS). Although the NRS is a well-established measure for adults, no study has yet evaluated its validity for children with chronic pain.

Objectives: To examine the convergent and discriminant validity of the NRS as it is used within regular clinical practice to document pain intensity for children with chronic pain.

Effectiveness of pamidronate for treating intractable chronic neuropathic pain: case report of two adolescents.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of pamidronate for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain refractory to previous management. Intravenous pamidronate (60 mg/day for 3 days) was administered to 2 adolescents with neuropathic pain refractory to previous multidisciplinary treatments. Pain intensity, functional improvement, and adverse effects were evaluated.

Treatment of chronic intractable neuropathic pain with dronabinol: case report of two adolescents.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of dronabinol for the treatment of neuropathic pain refractory to previous treatment.

Methods: We studied the response (reduction of pain intensity and functional improvement) to dronabinol (5 mg/day to 25 mg/day) in two adolescents with neuropathic pain and depression refractory to previous treatments over two and five years, respectively.

Results: Reduction in pain intensity (45%) was achieved in patient 2 and was unchanged in patient 1.