ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:Venous cannulationis the most commonly performed invasive procedure in hospital patients. It is painful and associated with a high incidence of vasovagalreactions and haemodynamic stressresponsein patients. OBJECTIVES:This study aims at evaluating the efficacy of EMLAcream in producing dermal analgesia for venous annulations & effect of it on hemodynamic stress response.MATERIALS AND METHODS:100 patientsof age group 12 to 18 ofASA grade I /II were selected. Patients were randomly divided into two groups(N=50). In Group A EMLAcream and in Group BMoisturizing creamwasapplied 60 minutes before venouscannulations. Pain was assessed with the help of 4-point scale. Pain and hemodynamicstress response(blood pressure and heart rate)was noted before and after venous cannulations. Local and systemic side effects were also noted.RESULTS :Group Apatients(EMLAcream )had lower pain scores and decreased hemodynamicstress response to venous Cannulationswhen compared to group B(placebo-moisturing cream).Local side effects -redness wasnoted in only 1 patient in group A. (EMLA cream)