Repeated application of EMLA cream 5% for the alleviation of cannulation pain in haemodialysis.

The analgesic effect and the occurrence of local reactions after repeated application of a lidocaine/prilocaine cream (EMLA 5%) were investigated in 31 haemodialysis patients. The cream was used for alleviation of cannulation pain prior to the haemodialysis (HD) for a period of 1-1.5 years. In each patient 300 to 312 applications of the cream were made during the period. Local skin reactions were recorded after the cream applications and the analgesic effect was evaluated with double-blind, crossover placebo controls at regular intervals. Seventeen patients completed the study. EMLA gave considerable pain relief and was significantly better than placebo at all effect evaluations but one. The frequency of local reactions was low and not correlated to the number of applications of EMLA. Two patients, however, interrupted their treatment due to local irritation.