Clinical effects of epidural block during labour : a prospective study
Date
1985-09
Authors
Nel, J. T.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health and Medical Publishing Group (HMPG)
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effects of epidural block for pain relief during labour in an obstetric unit which manages mainly high-risk pregnancies. In the majority of the 62 patients studied only 5 ml of a 0,5% solution of bupivacaine was sufficient for effective pain relief. In 75% of patients total pain relief was obtained. complications of the procedure were hypotension in 32% of patients and bladder atony needing catheterization in 19%. The mean fall in blood pressure was greater in patiens with pre-existing hypertension. The incidence of instrumental delivery was 40%, inadequate bearing- down effort being the indication in 54% of these cases. An abnormal fetal heart rate pattern on cardiotocography developed in 13 of 58 fetuses who were monitored internally, while in 3 cases an abnormal pattern became even more abnormal (in one-third of these cases this followed hypotension in the mother). The only statistically significant change in fetal heart rate patterns on cardiotocography was a decrease in the beat-to-beat variability. Epidural block is a very effective form of pain relief during labour but has potentially serious effects, especially in high-risk pregnancies. Precautions to minimize the risk of complications include the administration of intravenous fluid before the procedure and careful monitoring of the patient and her unborn baby. A cardiotocographic monitor is essential for the latter purpose.
Description
Article
The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
Keywords
Peridural anesthesia, Labor (Obstetrics)
Citation
Nel, J. T. 1985. Clinical effects of epidural block during labour : a prospective study. South African medical journal, 14 September: 371-374.