Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Paediatric burn injuries are distressing and traumatic experiences for children and their families. Managing these patients requires a multidisciplinary approach, with anesthesiologists playing a crucial role in providing pain relief and reducing anxiety during surgical interventions. This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate pain and anxiety levels in children admitted with burns requiring surgical interventions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty pediatric patients aged 7 to 14 years were enrolled in the study. Perioperative parameters, including a etiology, severity, and total burn surface area involved, were evaluated. Preoperative pain scores were evaluated using the following pain assessment scales: the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) and revised faces, legs, activity, cry, and consolability (FLACC) scale. Preoperative anxiety was measured using the revised child anxiety and depression scale (RCADS-25). Both the parent and child versions of the RCADS-25 were conducted separately in an understandable language. RESULTS: There was a significant association between pain levels and specific types of burn injuries, with high-voltage burns and deep partial-thickness burns being more distressing. Anxiety levels were higher in children undergoing debridement, superficial skin grafting, and amputation compared to other surgical procedures, emphasizing the importance of addressing the psychological well-being of burn patients. CONCLUSIONS: Significantly higher pain scores were observed in pediatric patients with high-voltage electric burns compared to those with thermal burns. Patients undergoing debridement surgeries reported high pain scores in both the preoperative and postoperative periods. Anxiety scores were significantly higher in patients undergoing amputation, debridement, and skin grafting surgeries.