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Authors:
Although the Buzzy device was less effective for pain control than an EMLA patch, it works much faster, so don’t throw the “buzzy” out with the bathwater. Researchers compared pain scores during IV placement and venipuncture between children randomized to treatment with an EMLA patch (lidocaine 2.5%, prilocaine 2.5%) or external cold/vibration pain distraction via a Buzzy device. Roughly 300 children aged 18 months to 6 years were enrolled in each treatment arm at a Canadian pediatric emergency department (ED). Pain was measured using the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (score ranges from 4 [no pain] to 13). A score >8 was considered pain severe enough to need analgesia. More children in the EMLA group than the Buzzy group had a pain score ≤8 (62% vs. 37%). Mean pain scores were 7.2 in the EMLA group versus 8.5 in the Buzzy group. Parents preferred EMLA to Buzzy; 94% wanted to use the treatment again (versus 81%). Success with IV placement and venipuncture was similar between groups. |
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COMMENT
Although the Buzzy device appears less effective than an EMLA patch for pain control during pediatric venipuncture or IV placement, I think the device still has an important place in the ED. It is quick, easy, cost effective, and doesn’t require any preparation or pharmacy orders to provide at least some pain control and distraction, especially since waiting up to an hour for EMLA to take effect is unrealistic for most ED IV placements.