Background: The J-Tip Device allows an intradermal needle-free jet injection of 1% buffered lidocaine. This study compares needle-free jet injection of lidocaine to saline in reducing pain prior to lumbar puncture in infants. Methods: Randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled trial involving infants, less than 3 months of age, presenting to the emergency department meeting clinical criteria for a lumbar puncture. All patients were administered the J-tip and randomized to either treatment with 1% lidocaine or an equivalent amount of sterile normal saline prior to lumbar puncture.
Background: Lumbar puncture is an essential procedure in the emergency department for the evaluation of meningitis. Subcutaneous injection of lidocaine prior to lumbar puncture for local anesthesia is not a pain free procedure. The J-Tip Device allows an intradermal needle-free jet injection of 1% buffered lidocaine. This study compares needle-free jet injection of lidocaine to saline in reducing pain prior to lumbar puncture in infants. Methods: Randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled trial involving infants, less than 3 months of age, presenting to the emergency department meeting clinical criteria for a lumbar puncture. All patients were administered the J-tip and randomized to either treatment with 1% lidocaine or an equivalent amount of sterile normal saline prior to lumbar puncture. Vital signs were recorded during the procedure. Facial expressions as well as crying times were video recorded from start to finish. Independent reviewers assigned pain scores based on the validated Neonatal Facial Coding System with possible scores ranging from 0-5.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
60
All patients were administered the J-tip and randomized to either treatment with 1% lidocaine or an equivalent amount of sterile normal saline prior to lumbar puncture. Vital signs were recorded during the procedure. Facial expressions were video recorded
Blake Bulloch/PhoenixChildren's Hospital
Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Pain, Measured as Units on a Scale
Pain scores at time of needle insertion using neonatal facial coding score. The scale has five components; cry, brow bulge, eye squeeze; nasolabial fold and open month. Each component is either present or absent, with a value of 0 or 1 given. Minimum score of 0 and a maximum score of 5 possible
Time frame: on average the first hour in emergency department at 4 time points during entire lumbar puncture procedure.
Length of Cry
cry video recorded and measured after needle stick until pt stopped crying
Time frame: On average the first hour in the emergency department; from needle stick to end of lumbar puncture
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