Pain-Related Outcome Domains and Measures in Randomized Controlled Trials of Treatment for Acute Abdominal Pain: A Systematic Review.
Louise Kuhlmann, Cecilie Siggaard Knoph, Søren Schou Olesen et al.
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In 30 seconds
This PRISMA-guided systematic review mapped pain-related outcome domains and measures in randomized controlled trials of acute abdominal pain treatment. It included 43 trials identified from searches covering January 2000 to February 2025; eight trials included children. Adult trials most often measured pain intensity with a visual analogue scale (n = 19) or numeric rating scale (n = 15). Adverse effects were reported in 84% of trials and rescue analgesia in 44%. No trial assessed pain interference or psychological function, and quality of life was an outcome in one trial. All studies were conducted in emergency settings with short-term follow-up.
Key findings
- Among adult trials, pain intensity was measured with a visual analogue scale in 19 trials and a numeric rating scale in 15.
- Adverse effects were reported in 84% of trials; rescue analgesia was reported in 44%.
- No trial assessed pain interference or psychological function; quality of life was listed as an outcome in one trial.
- All trials were conducted in emergency settings and followed patients over the first hours.
Why it matters
The review shows that trial assessments largely capture immediate pain intensity and selected treatment effects, while omitting broader dimensions that may matter to patients and longer-term goals. This limits the range of treatment outcomes available for comparison and highlights the importance of choosing measures that fit the clinical purpose and follow-up timeframe.
What to keep in mind
The evidence base comprised 43 trials, all conducted in emergency settings with short-term follow-up, limiting insight into outcomes beyond the first hours.