title: Regional versus IV analgesics in labor.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to compare combined spinal epidural (CSE), epidural (E) and IV pethidine analgesia and their effects on the mother, fetus, newborn and the labor course.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a prospective parallel single blind study, where 60 women in active labor were recruited and were allocated to five subgroups to receive analgesia by different routes. The mother and the fetus were assessed. The results were recorded and compared using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and modified Bromage scale for motor block, in addition to other clinical findings.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The duration of first stage of labor was significantly longer in the E group, compared with the CSE and IV pethidine groups. When the pain control achieved by CSE bupivacaine and lidocaine was compared with the corresponding epidural, it was found that the first technique achieved better pain control. Women who received pethidine had higher incidence of nausea and vomiting compared to those received CSE or E analgesia. There was no significant difference between the five groups with respect to other side effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Regional analgesia especially CSE using bupivacaine or lidocaine is a safe effective method for analgesia in labor with relative better efficacy of bupivacaine.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Pharmacy, MSA University , 6th October City, Egypt.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sweed
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sabry
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Azab
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nour
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016362:Analgesia, Obstetrical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005283:Fentanyl / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007747:Labor Stage, First / Q000187:drug effects; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008614:Meperidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D008012:Lidocaine; D008614:Meperidine; D005283:Fentanyl; D002045:Bupivacaine