EMLA(R) cream: a pain-relieving strategy for childhood vaccination

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Eutectic mixture of local anaesthetics (EMLA®); childhood vaccination; pain assessment; vaccination pain.