[Combination of Emla cream and nitrous oxide for venous cannulation in children]. / Association crème Emla et protoxyde d'azote pour l'abord veineux chez l'enfant.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of an combination of Emla cream and N2O for venous cannulation in children. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double blind trial. PATIENTS: The study included 75 unpremedicated children, aged 3 months to 5 years, ASA physical class I and II, undergoing an elective surgical procedure, randomized into three groups. METHODS: In group I and III, children received Emla cream one hour before entering the theatre. In group II, children received a placebo. Children of group I and III also inhaled 50 vol% nitrous oxide in oxygen and those of groupe II 100 vol% oxygen, 3 min prior and during venous cannulation. A blinded observer recorded the following items: pain assessment with CHEOPS scoring, conditions of venous puncture and behaviour of children. Heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation were assessed at three timepoints: before, 3 min after facial mask application and following venous cannulation. RESULTS: There were non significant differences between the three groups for the conditions of venous cannulation. The CHEOPS score was better in group I (7[4-11]), compared to group II (10[6-13]; P < 0.01) and to group III (9[6-12]; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Emla cream combined with nitrous oxide is effective for venous cannulation in providing satisfactory analgesia and in controlling anxiety elicited by the vision of needle.