EMLA(R) cream: a pain-relieving strategy for childhood vaccination.
Author(s): Abuelkheir M(1), Alsourani D, Al-Eyadhy A, Temsah MH, Meo SA, Alzamil F.
Affiliation(s): Author information:
(1)Department of Clinical Pharmacy, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud
University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Publication date & source: 2014, J Int Med Res. , 42(2):329-36
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of topical eutectic mixture of local
anaesthetics (EMLA®) cream in reducing the pain associated with vaccination
injections.
METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that
included children who presented for routine immunization. Eligible children were
randomly assigned to receive either EMLA® or placebo cream. The Modified
Behavioural Pain Scale (MBPS) was used to assess baseline and postvaccination
pain scores, while a visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess pain at the
time of the needle prick and at the end of the injection.
RESULTS: A total of 107 children were enrolled in the EMLA® group and 109
children in the placebo group. The difference between the pre- and
postvaccination MBPS scores was significantly lower in the EMLA group than in the
placebo group (2.56 ± 1.96 versus 3.95 ± 2.20, respectively). The VAS scores at
the time of the needle prick and after the injection were significantly lower in
the EMLA® group compared with the placebo group (1.60 ± 1.67 versus 3.24 ± 2.01;
3.29 ± 2.27 versus 4.86 ± 2.20; respectively).
CONCLUSIONS: Application of EMLA® cream can be effectively incorporated as a
routine pain-relieving intervention within routine vaccination appointments.
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