Measurement of methemoglobin after EMLA analgesia for newborn circumcision.
A statistically significant (p = 0.049) increase in methemoglobin (MetHb), which did not exceed normal values, was noted 8 h after application of 1 g of EMLA (Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetics) to the foreskin of 10 normal newborns to reduce pain associated with circumcision. The highest MetHb concentration observed was 3 g/l (toxic > 50 g/l). No infant showed clinical signs of methemoglobinemia. We conclude that EMLA is safe to use as a local anesthetic in term neonates.
Law
R M
RM
Department of Pharmacy, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ont., Canada.
Halpern
S
S
Martins
R F
RF
Reich
H
H
Innanen
V
V
Ohlsson
A
A
D000698:Analgesia; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D002944:Circumcision, Male; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D008297:Male; D008708:Methemoglobinemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D011318:Prilocaine / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D004338:Drug Combinations; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D011318:Prilocaine; D008012:Lidocaine