title: Patient-controlled epidural analgesia following caesarean delivery: a comparison of pethidine and fentanyl.
abstract: Pethidine and fentanyl have both been used to provide patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) following caesarean delivery. Both have been compared with epidural morphine but these drugs have not been compared with each other. Patient-controlled epidural analgesia was used in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial to compare fentanyl and pethidine for postoperative epidural analgesia in women having elective caesarean deliveries. Two groups received either PCEA fentanyl or pethidine with a cross-over to the other drug after 24 hours. Results from 45 patients showed no difference in pain level outcomes, but pethidine scored better in all side-effects except for drowsiness at 48 hours. Patients were more satisfied with pethidine (P = 0.015) and overall 65% of patients preferred pethidine. We conclude that pethidine is a suitable drug for patient-controlled epidural analgesia and leads to greater patient satisfaction than does fentanyl.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco, W.A.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Goh
authors.forename: S F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Pavy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural; D016058:Analgesia, Patient-Controlled; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002585:Cesarean Section; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005283:Fentanyl / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008614:Meperidine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D008614:Meperidine; D005283:Fentanyl