[Critical study of efficiency and toxicity of transcutaneous trinitrin in infants and children]

The local effects of transcutaneous application of trinitrine in order to facilitate access to the peripheral veins, were evaluated in a double blind study of 23 infants aged 3 weeks to 10 years. The results were extremely discouraging. Indeed, no relationship between the venous distension and the local trinitrine concentration was observed. Despite the use of various concentrations, no patient presented local or haemodynamic changes. The application of a percutaneous dose of trinitrine at the site of puncture seems to be an inefficient method to facilitate access to the peripheral veins in the pediatric age group.