OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and safety of patient controlled epidural analgesia with basal continuous infusion versus intermittent bolus for labor analgesia using fentanyl and bupivacaine. METHODS: In this prospective study, 60 parturients having singleton term uncomplicated pregnancy in early active labor were included. 30 parturients were allocated to receive patient controlled epidural analgesia + basal continuous infusion (Group-A) and 30 received intermittent bolus on demand (Group-B). Efficacy of technique was assessed in terms of quality of analgesia on 0-10 cm verbal analogue scale. Effect on labor was assessed by duration of labor, mode of delivery, and parturient's satisfaction. Neonatal outcome was measured by Apgar score. Data were expressed as mean ± SD and analysed using Student 't' test and chi square test where appropriate. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS:Analgesic efficacy of both the groups was comparable. Maternal satisfaction was better in group A than in group B but the results did not achieve statistical significance. Effect on labor and neonatal outcome were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: Both the techniques appear to be safe for the mother and neonate with excellent analgesic efficacy. In a busy obstetric unit with increased demand of epidural analgesia, patient controlled epidural analgesia with basal continuous infusion may be preferred.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and safety of patient controlled epidural analgesia with basal continuous infusion versus intermittent bolus for labor analgesia using fentanyl and bupivacaine. METHODS: In this prospective study, 60 parturients having singleton term uncomplicated pregnancy in early active labor were included. 30 parturients were allocated to receive patient controlled epidural analgesia + basal continuous infusion (Group-A) and 30 received intermittent bolus on demand (Group-B). Efficacy of technique was assessed in terms of quality of analgesia on 0-10 cm verbal analogue scale. Effect on labor was assessed by duration of labor, mode of delivery, and parturient's satisfaction. Neonatal outcome was measured by Apgar score. Data were expressed as mean ± SD and analysed using Student 't' test and chi square test where appropriate. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Analgesic efficacy of both the groups was comparable. Maternal satisfaction was better in group A than in group B but the results did not achieve statistical significance. Effect on labor and neonatal outcome were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: Both the techniques appear to be safe for the mother and neonate with excellent analgesic efficacy. In a busy obstetric unit with increased demand of epidural analgesia, patient controlled epidural analgesia with basal continuous infusion may be preferred.