Abstract
PurposeLumbar epidural analgesia (LEA) is the most widely used method in reducing labor pain. Previous RCTs have shown that LEA does not increase cesarean section rates; however, the results are inconsistent and may vary depending on the different backgrounds. Therefore, we aimed to study whether LEA would affect the course of labor in our institute.MethodsDelivery records from October 2013 to April 2016 were collected. Deliveries at gestational age < 36 weeks and multiple pregnancies were excluded. All cases were divided into the non-epidural labor (NEL) group or the epidural labor (EL) group. We performed a propensity score matching analysis to balance intergroup differences. Our primary outcome was a mode of delivery (spontaneous, assisted vaginal, cesarean). Secondary outcomes were lengths of labor and outcomes of the neonates.ResultsDuring the study period, 2632 cases met the inclusion criteria. All analyses were performed after propensity score matching (218 pairs). The percentage of assisted vaginal delivery increased by the use of LEA (11.5% in NEL group vs 25.7% in EL group; p < 0.001), but the rate of cesarean section was similar (12.8% vs 17.0%; p = 0.23). The durations of the first and second stages of labor were prolonged by the use of LEA in both primipara and multipara women. Outcomes of the neonates were similar in both groups.ConclusionUse of LEA did not increase the rate of cesarean section when analyzed by propensity score-matched analysis in our institute.
Highlights
Many methods and drugs have been developed to reduce this pain, lumbar epidural analgesia (LEA) remains the most widely used method for pain control during labor [1]
We examined the effect of LEA on labor at our facility using propensity score matching
Of the remaining 2632 cases that were included in the study population, 226 (8.6%) cases underwent epidural labor (EL group) (Fig. 1)
Summary
Many methods and drugs have been developed to reduce this pain, lumbar epidural analgesia (LEA) remains the most widely used method for pain control during labor [1] It remains debated whether this method is prone to causing adverse events, as local anesthetics potentially suppress the intensity of uterine contractions and decrease uterine blood flow [2]. In Japan, the average age of pregnant women has gradually increased, reaching 30 years for nulliparas. This phenomenon is related to the (2019) 5:40 increased use of assisted reproductive technology (ART), which potentially accounts for cesarean sections due to the increase in pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH)
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