Neuroinflammation and Pediatric Chronic Pain – A Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To report on the relationship between neuroinflammation and chronic pain, especially in the pediatric population. Pediatric chronic pain is prevalent, affecting about 20% of the population. Neuroinflammation is now recognized as a putative contributing factor to the development and maintenance of chronic pain. Strides have been made in understanding neuroinflammatory processes in the context of pain, as research begins to unravel the involvement of glial cells (e.g., microglia, astrocytes), pro-inflammatory markers (e.g., interleukins, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha [TNF-α]), and metabolic pathways (e.g., oxidative stress). In children, the vulnerability of a developing nervous system, life stressors (e.g., adjustment periods/transitions, social stress, family dynamics) and hormonal changes can further impact neuroinflammation and promote pain. Investigating this complex web of factors that contribute to pediatric pain has implications for both clinical practice and research. This review aims to summarize recent literature on the role of neuroinflammation in pediatric chronic pain, highlighting novel insights and areas for future clinical exploration. Targeting neuroinflammation shows promise for advancing pediatric chronic pain management, but pediatric-specific studies remain quite limited, and urgently needed.