Anesthetic efficacy of eutectic prilocaine-lidocaine cream in pediatric oncology patients undergoing lumbar puncture.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of eutectic mixture of local anesthetics 5% (Emla) in reducing pain associated with lumbar punctures in children.


METHODS
Prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.


METHODS
University pediatric hospital.


METHODS
Eleven pediatric oncology patients (mean age 6.6 y, range 4-16) who underwent 31 lumbar punctures.


METHODS
The analgesic effect was measured by using two methods. The first was a 10-point visual analog scale reported by the patient and the second was an 8-point behavioral pain scale assessed by the nurse who applied the cream.


RESULTS
Emla cream was associated with significantly lower pain scores than those with placebo as measured by the patient when the puncture was successful on the first attempt (2.0 +/- 1.6 Emla group, 3.8 +/- 1.9 placebo group; p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of Emla cream may reduce pain substantially only in patients who undergo a successful lumbar puncture on the first attempt.
Servicio de Farmacia, Hospital Universitari Materno-Infantil Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.
J C
JC
Juárez Gimenez
M
M
Oliveras
E
E
Hidalgo
M J
MJ
Cabañas
C
C
Barroso
F A
FA
Moraga
S
S
Gallego
J S
JS
de Toledo
D000293:Adolescent; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D008297:Male; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000187:drug effects*; D011318:Prilocaine; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013129:Spinal Puncture / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D004338:Drug Combinations; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D011318:Prilocaine; D008012:Lidocaine