title: Isoflurane in labour.
abstract: A comparison of the analgesic efficacy of Entonox (50% nitrous oxide in oxygen) and Entonox with 0.2% isoflurane was made in 18 consenting mothers during the first stage of labour. The inhalational gases were self-administered during contractions over a 3 h study period using a standard Entonox demand valve and breathing system. Isoflurane 0.2% was added from an Ohmeda Isotec drawover vaporizer and the inspired concentration of isoflurane was analysed continuously using a Datex Ultima analyser. Linear analogue scores for pain were significantly lower (p < 0.001) during the Entonox-isoflurane administration compared with Entonox alone. Drowsiness was not a clinical problem and there was a high acceptance rate for Entonox-isoflurane inhalational analgesia during labour.
authors.affiliation: St Michael's Hospital, Bristol.
authors.forename: M Y
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Wee
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Hasan
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016362:Analgesia, Obstetrical; D016058:Analgesia, Patient-Controlled; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007530:Isoflurane; D007747:Labor Stage, First; D009609:Nitrous Oxide; D010100:Oxygen; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy; D012894:Sleep Stages / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D004338:Drug Combinations; C001147:Entonox; D007530:Isoflurane; D009609:Nitrous Oxide; D010100:Oxygen