title: Continuous extradural analgesia: comparison of midwife top-ups, continuous infusions and patient controlled administration.
abstract: We have compared three techniques used to provide extradural analgesia during the first stage of labour: 0.25% plain bupivacaine 10 ml demand top-ups delivered by the midwife; continuous infusion of 0.125% plain bupivacaine 10 ml h-1; and patient-controlled extradural analgesia (PCEA) delivering 3-ml boluses of 0.25% bupivacaine. Each technique produced comparable analgesia achieving equivalent maternal satisfaction, with no difference in mode of delivery and no complications. This regimen for PCEA proved a viable alternative for continuous extradural analgesia and was popular with the mothers, midwives and anaesthetists.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia, Queen Mother's Hospital, Yorkhill, Glasgow.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Purdie
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Thorburn
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Asbury
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000379:methods*; D016362:Analgesia, Obstetrical / Q000379:methods*; D016058:Analgesia, Patient-Controlled; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D008880:Midwifery; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D002045:Bupivacaine