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In a randomized placebo-controlled trial, investigators evaluated the effect of 2% viscous lidocaine on oral fluid intake in children aged 6 months to 8 years presenting to a Melbourne pediatric emergency department with painful infectious mouth conditions inhibiting oral intake. Patients were included if they were not toxic and had gingivostomatitis, ulcerative pharyngitis, herpangina, or hand-foot-mouth disease and a history of poor oral fluid intake in the 2 hours before presentation.
During a 3-year period, a convenience sample of 100 children (median age, 2 years) was randomized to receive either cherry-flavored 2% viscous lidocaine or cherry-flavored placebo gel. Treating nurses used a syringe to administer 0.15 mL/kg of the study mixt…