Pain Management in Pediatric Patients with Sickle Cell Disease.

Sickle cell pain is a complex and multifaceted condition that varies widely across individuals, necessitating a personalized approach informed by a comprehensive history and careful consideration of the biopsychosocial context. Although opioids remain the mainstay of pain management for individuals experiencing acute pain during a vaso-occlusive episode (VOE), multiple disease-modifying therapies have emerged and are demonstrating promise in helping to reduce the frequency and duration of VOEs. In addition, nonopioid analgesics and nonpharmacologic interventions show potential as adjunct therapies that can further support children and adolescents presenting with sickle cell VOE.