Availability of a 5% lidocaine patch used prophylactically for venipuncture- or injection-related pain in children.

PURPOSE

Venipuncture- or injection-related pain is still major problem during anesthetic induction in children. This study was designed to determine the availability of a 5% lidocaine patch used prophylactically for venipuncture- or injection-related pain during the induction of anesthesia.

METHODS

In a randomized, double-blind study, 72 pediatric patients were allocated to one of two groups: pretreatment with a 5% lidocaine patch (Lidoderm(®), Endo Pharmaceuticals, Chadds Ford, PA, USA) (group A) or pretreatment with a placebo patch (group B). Pain severity was evaluated on the Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability Scale (FLACC) during venipuncture, and a 4-point scale during the injection of rocuronium.

RESULTS

The FLACC score during venipuncture was significantly lower for group A than group B (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the grades of the 4-point scale observed during the injection of rocuronium between groups A and B. No significant adverse effect was noted for the groups.

CONCLUSION

Although pretreatment with a 5% lidocaine patch was found to be a safe, effective, and simple method of preventing venipuncture pain in children, this method did not reduce drug injection pain during the induction of anesthesia.