Rosenthal D, Murphy F, Gottschalk R, Baxter M, Lycka B, Nevin K, et al.
Journal of wound care. Date of publication 2001 Jan 1;volume 10(1):503-5.
1. J Wound Care. 2001 Jan;10(1):503-5.
Using a topical anaesthetic cream to reduce pain during sharp debridement of
chronic leg ulcers.
Rosenthal D(1), Murphy F, Gottschalk R, Baxter M, Lycka B, Nevin K.
Author information:
(1)Division of Dermatology, McMaster University, Faculty of Health Sciences, St.
Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
This multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study assessed
the efficacy and safety of using Emla (lignocaine/prilocaine) anaesthetic cream
to achieve pain control during sharp debridement of chronic leg ulcers of
arterial, venous or arteriovenous aetiology. A total of 101 patients (51 Emla, 50
placebo), aged 29-99 years, who had experienced pain associated with previous
debridement were included. Patients with an amide anaesthetic allergy,
anaesthetic diabetic ulcers, or ulcers > 50 cm2 were excluded. Debridement was
initiated approximately 30 minutes after the application of a thick layer of Emla
or placebo cream to an ulcer occluded with a plastic wrap. The patient and
investigator assessed the pain associated with debridement on a 100 mm visual
analogue scale (VAS). The median patient VAS scores were 18 mm and 53.5 mm in the
Emla and placebo groups, respectively (p < 0.0001). The corresponding
investigator values in the two groups were 20 mm and 49.5 mm, respectively (p =
0.004). Local reactions were mainly transient and mild, and were observed in
roughly the same percentage of placebo and Emla-treated patients. After a
30-minute application Emla cream significantly reduced the pain of debridement
compared with the placebo.
DOI: 10.12968/jowc.2001.10.1.26042
PMID: 12964231 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
