This randomized bicentric trial will investigate the efficacy of topical EMLA cream with oral sucrose solution compared to oral sucrose solution alone before venepuncture in preterm infants.

Venepuncture is a painful procedure commonly performed in premature infants. Nonpharmacological intervention (oral sucrose solution) can reduce neonatal pain. EMLA cream is an oil in water emulsion of an eutectic mixture of prilocaine and lignocaine; it is an local anesthetic cream. Very few reports have looked at the efficacy of EMLA in preterm infants.

This randomized bicentric trial will investigate the efficacy of topical EMLA cream with oral sucrose solution compared to oral sucrose solution alone before venepuncture in preterm infants.

Inclusion Criteria:

• preterm infants (gestational age between 26 and 37 weeks)
• programmed venepuncture
• APGAR score (M5)≥ 7
• enteral feeding
• written parental consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• infant requiring oxygen
• analgesia or sedation or drugs causing methaemoglobinaemia
• congenital porphyria
• G6PD deficit
• multi organ failure
• convulsion
• dermatosis