Epidural infusion of diamorphine with bupivacaine in labour. A comparison with fentanyl and bupivacaine.
We have compared the analgesic effects of three epidural infusions in a randomised, double-blind study of 61 mothers in labour. An initial dose of bupivacaine 0.5% 8 ml was followed by either bupivacaine 0.125%, bupivacaine 0.125% with diamorphine 0.0025% or bupivacaine 0.125% with fentanyl 0.0002%. All infusions were run at a rate of 7.5 ml/hour. Analgesia was significantly better in both the groups receiving opioids. Diamorphine was shown to be the more effective supplement to bupivacaine. The 5% incidence of pruritus in the opioid groups was less than that reported by earlier authors.
Enever
G R
GR
Department of Anaesthesia, Bristol Maternity Hospital.
Noble
H A
HA
Kolditz
D
D
Valentine
S
S
Thomas
T A
TA
D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects; D016362:Analgesia, Obstetrical / Q000009:adverse effects; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005283:Fentanyl / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003932:Heroin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011247:Pregnancy
D003932:Heroin; D005283:Fentanyl; D002045:Bupivacaine