Premedication with EMLA cream for ambultory surgery in children

Abstract Objectives: The objective of this study was to confirm the ability of EMLA® cream (Eutectic Mixture of Local Anaesthetics, Astra, Sweden) to provide effective dermal analgesia after topical application on the skin of the dorsum of the hand 1 h before venous cannulation for anaesthetic induction. Material and Methods: Prospective, randomized, double blind study. We included 100 children, ASA I-III, distributed into three groups: Group EMLA (E, n =34), Placebo (P, n =33) and Control (C, n =33). Results: The EMLA group of patients (E) refered an evaluation of pain (visual analogical scale (mean=2.34±2.41), significantly smaller than the other groups (Placebo=5.54±3.40, Control=6.03±2.77). Conclusion: EMLA cream, when topically applied 1 h before venous cannulation, provides effective dermal analgesia for venous cannulation. No general or local adverse reactions were observed.