Sensory phenotype assessment in a young girl affected by congenital insensitivity to pain (CIPA)

Sensory phenotype was assessed in a young girl affected by congenital insensitivity to pain (CIPA) scheduled for an open surgical drainage. The sensory profile showed that only the Abeta fibers were functioning normally, whereas Adelta and C fibers did not respond to nociceptive stimuli. On the basis of these findings and the results of cardiovascular reflexes, she was submitted to abscess incision and debridement under midazolam sedation alone. She did not report pain or other discomfort during surgery. The sensory (and sympathetic) assessment may have a high potential value in planning anesthesia and analgesia in children with CIPA. This psychophysical procedure could be introduced as standard component of clinical evaluation before surgery.