Application of Patient-Controlled Epidural Analgesia for Epidural Labor Analgesia and Effects on Mothers and Infants

Abstract

Objective To study the analgesic effect and motor block of ropivacaine with bupivacaine in laboring parturient using patient-controlled epidural analgesia(PCEA). Methods From February 2004 to February 2006, 190 pregnant women were divided into 2 groups randomly. 0.2% ropivacaine was given to group Ⅰ (98 cases), and 0.1% bupivacaine was given to group Ⅱ (92 cases). Fentanyl (2 μg/ml), was added into local anesthetic solution for each group. A loading dose of 10 ml was given. Patient-controlled epidural analgesia was set. The infusion stopped when full uterus was opening. Results Effective labor analgesia provided 2 groups with shortening labor course than the contrast group(P<0.05). Compared with the contrast group, there were significant differences on uterine-incision delivery in group Ⅰ and group Ⅱ(P<0.05). Labor analgesia could shorten labor active course and decline the rate of uterine-incision delivery.There was no adverse effect on puerperant postnatal blood loss. The use of oxytocin and instrumental labor in group Ⅰ were less than that of group Ⅱ(P<0.05). There was no adverse effect on infants. Conclusion Patient-controlled epidural analgesia is an effective and safe way in labor course. Ropivacaine does not affect uterine contraction and force of labor. Ropivacaine is more profit for vagina delivery. Key words: ropivacaine; delivery; analgesia; patient-controlled