EMLA CREAM AS A TOPICAL ANESTHETIC BEFORE OFFICE PHLEBOTOMY IN CHILDREN

We studied the effectiveness of EMLA cream (2.5% lidocaine, 2.5% prilo caine) in reducing distress, anxiety, and pain associated with phlebot omy in pediatric outpatients. This was a randomized, double-blind, pla cebo-controlled study using EMLA cream or placebo 1 hour before phlebo tomy. Distress, anticipatory anxiety, pain, and adverse reactions rc e re measured. Measurements of distress and ease of procedure, as well a s changes in heart rate, showed significant improvement with EMLA crea m as compared with placebo. Pain was decreased with use of EMLA cream. Anticipatory anxiety levels were equal within both groups. Ratings of cream efficacy by parent/observer scales were in favor of EMLA cream.