Effect of EMLA Cream to Decrease Venipuncture Related Pain and Anxiety in Children

피부국소마취제가 아동의 정맥천자시 통증경감과 불안감소에 미치는 효과

Purposes: Venipuncture is one of the most painful and frequently performed invasive procedure for children by nurses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of EMLA cream(eutectic mixture of local anesthetics: 2.5% lidocaine and 2.5% prilocaine) to decrease venipuncture related pain and anxiety in children. Methods: A randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted. Sixty children scheduled venipuncture were recruited, and randomly allocated to receive either EMLA or a placebo cream 1 hour before venipuncture. Venipuncture was carried out by one nurse investigator. Pain and anxiety was measured by parent, nurse investigator, and nurse observer. Results: Pain in the EMLA group was significantly lower than that of placebo group. However, there was no significant difference in anxiety score between the EMLA and placebo groups. Local side effect of EMLA cream were negligible. Conclusions: EMLA cream was found to be an effective local anesthetic for pediatric venipuncture pain. Further studies should continue to evaluate the facilitators and barriers of EMLA cream application in pediatric nursing practice.