title: Effects of continuous use of Entonox in comparison with intermittent method on obstetric outcomes: a randomized clinical trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Entonox (N2O2) which is an inhalational gas for relieving labor pain is commonly used intermittently; however some women are interested in continuous breathing in face mask. So we decided to compare the complications induced by two methods to find out whether it is safe to permit the mothers to use Entonox continuously or not.
  
  
  METHODS
  This randomized clinical trial was performed in Mobini Hospital, Sabzevar, Iran. 50 parturients used Entonox intermittently and 50 cases used it continuously during labor. Then obstetrical outcomes were analyzed in two groups by spss 17 software, t-test, and Chi(2) while P < 0.05 was considered significant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This study showed the mean duration of second stage of labor had no significant difference (P = 0.3). Perineal laceration was less in continuous group significantly (P = 0.04). Assisted vaginal birth was not different significantly (P = 0.4). Uterine atony had no significant difference in two groups (P = 0.2). Maternal collaboration in pushing and satisfaction were higher in continuous group significantly (P = 0.03), (P < 0.0001). Apgar score of neonates at first and fifth minute was acceptable and not different significantly in two groups (P = 0.3).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study demonstrated continuous method is also safe. So, it seems reasonable to set mothers free to choose the desired method of Entonox usage.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.
authors.forename: Jila
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-9268-4056
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Agah
authors.affiliation: Department of Midwifery, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.
authors.forename: Roya
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Baghani
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Ghazvin University of Medical Sciences, Ghazvin, Iran.
authors.forename: Seid Hossein
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Safiabadi Tali
authors.affiliation: Department of Biostatistics and Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.
authors.forename: Yaser
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Tabarraei
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical / Q000379:methods; D001034:Apgar Score; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D048949:Labor Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009609:Nitrous Oxide / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010100:Oxygen / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; C001147:Entonox; D009609:Nitrous Oxide; D010100:Oxygen