European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology
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Eur. J. Obstet. Gynecol. Reprod. Biol. · May 1995
Review Comparative StudyEpidural analgesia during labor: continuous infusion or patient-controlled administration?
Patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) has several advantages over continuous epidural infusion of bupivacaine during labor: it produces a good analgesia with a limited sensory spread; generally, less bupivacaine is administered and maternal satisfaction with pain control is increased. However, the quality of analgesia is similar to that obtained with other forms of epidural administration. ⋯ PCEA does not appear to reduce the workload of the anesthetic team. The cost of the PCA pump will need to be included in future evaluation of the cost/benefit ratio.
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Eur. J. Obstet. Gynecol. Reprod. Biol. · May 1995
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialLabor pain relief using bupivacaine and sufentanil: patient controlled epidural analgesia versus intermittent injections.
To determine whether the use of patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) versus intermittent injections (CIT) resulted in local anesthetic dose reduction. ⋯ Patient-controlled epidural analgesia is an effective, safe and acceptable alternative to conventional intermittent epidural injections for pain relief during labor and delivery.
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Eur. J. Obstet. Gynecol. Reprod. Biol. · May 1995
ReviewInfluence of epidural analgesia on fetal and neonatal well-being.
Epidural analgesia is a frequently used method to reduce the pain of child-bearing. Concerns regarding the safety and potential hazards still persist in the medical community. This review intends to examine how epidural analgesia determines the various factors of fetal and neonatal well-being. ⋯ Neonatal depression can occur however with epidural use of morphine, fentanyl and alfentanil. Sufentanil, again in doses up to 30 micrograms in association with bupivacaine seems to be devoid of depressive effects on the neonate. In summary, the anaesthetist has good arguments to reassure his obstetrical colleagues that providing epidural analgesia for pregnant women in labour is a justifiable intervention to support the natural process of child-bearing.