[Prolonged epidural analgesia with ultracaine for labor pain relief].

Prolonged epidural analgesia (PEA) for labor pain relief and effect of this method of conduction blockade on the main vital systems of mother and newborn were studied. PEA with ultracain was used in 486 women aged 18-38 years. Puncture and catheterization of the epidural space was made at the level of the second-third lumbar vertebrae; a single dose of 1% ultracain was 1.0-1.2 mg/kg. Effects of this method on the hemodynamics, external respiration function, autonomic status, and newborn status were evaluated. PEA with ultracain proved to be highly effective and safe for the mother and exerted no depressive effect on the newborn. Positive characteristics of ultracain are the minimum latent period, long (86.8 +/- 5.1 min) duration of sensory blocking, and no side effects.