A randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of topical amethocaine in reducing pain during arterial puncture.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if topical 4% amethocaine gel can reduce the pain associated with arterial punctures.


METHODS
Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial with parallel groups.


METHODS
Teaching hospital.


METHODS
Adults requiring arterial punctures for blood gas estimation as part of routine care.


METHODS
Four percent amethocaine gel applied for 30 min prior to the radial arterial puncture, compared with a placebo gel.


METHODS
Pain scored on a visual analog scale from 0 to 100, and heart rate during the procedure.


RESULTS
The mean pain score for the amethocaine group was 16.0 (SD, 23.3) and for the placebo group was 20.7 (SD, 18.5). The mean heart rates during arterial puncture were 84.1 beats/min (SD, 10.7) for the amethocaine group, and 83.8 beats/min (SD, 12.7) for the placebo group. These differences were not statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
The topical use of 4% amethocaine gel does not reduce the pain associated with arterial puncture.
Tran
Ngoc Q
NQ
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Bowen Centre, Austin Campus, Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia.
Pretto
Jeffrey J
JJ
Worsnop
Christopher J
CJ
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D000772:Anesthesia, Local / Q000379:methods; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001158:Arteries; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis / Q000379:methods; D001800:Blood Specimen Collection / Q000379:methods; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011677:Punctures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012016:Reference Values; D013748:Tetracaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D013748:Tetracaine