Epidural bupivacaine dilution for labour. A comparison of three concentrations infused with a fixed dose of fentanyl.
We have compared the effects of three epidural infusions in a randomised, double-blind study of 56 primigravid mothers in labour. An initial dose of bupivacaine 0.5% 8 ml was followed by infusion of either bupivacaine 0.125%, 0.062% or 0.031%. All solutions contained fentanyl 0.0002% and were run at 7.5 ml/hour. Women receiving the most dilute solution had significantly less analgesia (p less than 0.001) for the first 4 hours of the study, but pain scores were then similar for the three groups. No obvious benefit was gained by using very dilute bupivacaine.
Noble
H A
HA
Department of Anaesthesia, Bristol Maternity Hospital.
Enever
G R
GR
Thomas
T A
TA
D000328:Adult; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects; D016362:Analgesia, Obstetrical / Q000009:adverse effects; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005283:Fentanyl / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy
D005283:Fentanyl; D002045:Bupivacaine