Exploring Pain and Body Composition in Children with Cancer Compared to Healthy Controls: A Cross-Sectional Case-Control Study
Abstract
Highlights This article presents the results of a cross-sectional study exploring differences and associations in pain and body composition in children with cancer compared to healthy controls. What are the main findings? Children with cancer showed differences in both pain outcomes (i.e., higher chronic pain prevalence, lower pressure pain thresholds) and body composition (i.e., higher waist circumference and fat percentage, and lower body water percentage) compared to age- and sex-matched healthy peers. Pressure pain thresholds were associated with cancer diagnosis and lower muscle mass, suggesting a link between pain and body composition. What is the implication of the main finding? The findings may guide clinical conversations on pain management and body composition monitoring in pediatric cancer care. Abstract Background: Children with cancer frequently experience pain, which may persist into survivorship. Furthermore, many undergo body composition changes throughout their disease trajectory. However, little is still known about the interplay between pain and body composition. Methods: This cross-sectional case–control study compared pain and anthropometric characteristics between 30 children with cancer (8–18 years) and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls and examined whether pain was associated with anthropometric characteristics and cancer diagnosis. Pain in the past two weeks, chronic pain, and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) at the tibialis anterior and…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case-control, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 30 participants or records.
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