title: Epidural 0.2% ropivacaine for labour analgesia: parturient-controlled or continuous infusion?
abstract: In this randomized, open study, we compared the incidence of lower limb motor block associated with epidural labour analgesia provided by parturient-controlled method (PCEA) with continuous infusion (CIEA) using 0.2% ropivacaine. The PCEA group (n = 20) received a demand-only regimen (bolus 5 ml, lockout 15 minutes). The rate of infusion of the CIEA group (n = 20) was 8 ml/h. We found that pain relief was not significantly different between the two groups, although the PCEA group had a higher satisfaction score (P < 0.05). Fewer parturients in the PCEA group had lower limb motor block (6 vs 14, P < 0.05). The total volume of ropivacaine used per hour was also lower in the PCEA group (median 8.75 vs 10.5 ml, P < 0.05). No difference in the maternal or fetal outcome was detected. We conclude that PCEA with ropivacaine is an effective mode of analgesia which is dose-sparing and produces less motor block in comparison with CIEA.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.
authors.forename: A T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Sia
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Chong
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000577:Amides / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000379:methods*; D016362:Analgesia, Obstetrical / Q000379:methods*; D016058:Analgesia, Patient-Controlled; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001794:Blood Pressure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D000077212:Ropivacaine
chemical_list: D000577:Amides; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000077212:Ropivacaine