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Determination of the dose-response relationship for intrathecal sufentanil in laboring patients.

Multiple studies have investigated the efficacy of intrathecal opioids, particularly sufentanil, in laboring parturients. However, until the important pharmacological indices of the 50% and 95% effective doses (ED50 and ED95, respectively) are defined, reliable comparative studies among drugs at equipotent doses cannot be performed. This study was performed to establish the dose-response relationship of intrathecal sufentanil analgesia in labor. Sixty parturients presenting in active labor received intrathecal sufentanil 2.5 (n = 10), 5.0 (n = 10), 7.5 (n = 10), 10.0 (n = 10), 12.5 (n = 10), or 15.0 (n = 10) microg in a blind, randomized fashion. Patient 100-mm visual analog pain scale (VAS) scores, fetal heart rate (FHR), blood pressure, and heart rate were recorded at 0, 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 min after administration of sufentanil and then again when the patient requested additional analgesia. Absolute VAS < or =25 mm was considered an analgesic success. Percent responders was used to construct a dose-response curve and calculate ED50 and ED95. The ED50 and ED95 for intrathecal sufentanil in laboring parturients were 2.6 (1.8-3.2, 95% confidence interval) and 8.9 (7.5-11.5) microg, respectively. There was a trend toward increasing analgesic duration with increasing sufentanil dose. The maternal side effect profile was not different among groups. FHR did not appreciably change for any group or individual studied. Assisted delivery and cesarean section rates were similar for all groups. Intrathecal sufentanil provides rapid onset of analgesia for labor. The ED50 and ED95 values established in this study should help to provide benchmarks both for the safe clinical use of intrathecal sufentanil for labor and for future comparison studies with other intrathecal analgesic techniques.

Adult↗

Ropivacaine, 0.1%, plus sufentanil, 0.5 microg/ml, versus bupivacaine, 0.1%, plus sufentanil, 0.5 microg/ml, using patient-controlled epidural analgesia for labor: a double-blind comparison.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the administration of 0.1% ropivacaine and 0.5 microg/ml sufentanil with that of 0.1% bupivacaine and 0.5 microg/ml sufentanil via patient-controlled epidural analgesia route during labor. METHODS: Two hundred healthy pregnant women at term with a single fetus with a vertex fetal presentation were randomized in a double-blind fashion to receive either 0.1% ropivacaine and 0.5 microg/ml sufentanil or 0.1% bupivacaine and 0.5 microg/ml sufentanil using a patient-controlled epidural analgesia pump (5-ml bolus dose, 10-min locked-out period, no basal infusion). Pain score on a visual analog scale, Bromage score (0-3), level of sensory block, patient-controlled epidural analgesia ratio, drug use, supplemental boluses, and side effects were recorded at 30 min and then hourly. Mode of delivery, duration of first and second stages of labor, umbilical cord pH, Apgar scores of the newborn, and a measure of maternal satisfaction were recorded after delivery. RESULTS: No differences were seen between the two groups for pain scores on a visual analog scale during labor, volume of anesthetic solution used, mode of delivery, or side effects. Motor block during the first stage of labor was significantly less in the ropivacaine group than in the bupivacaine group (no motor block in 97.8 of patients vs. 88.3%, respectively; P < 0.01). Duration of the second stage of labor was shorter in the ropivacaine group (1.3 +/- 1.0 vs. 1.5 +/- 1.2 h [mean +/- SD]; P < 0.05). Maternal satisfaction was greater in the bupivacaine group (91 +/- 13 mm for contraction, 89 +/- 19 mm for delivery on a visual scale: 0 = not satisfied at all, 100 = fully satisfied) than in the ropivacaine group (84 +/- 21 and 80 +/- 25 mm; P < 0.0001). Patients in the ropivacaine group requested more supplemental boluses to achieve analgesia during the second stage of labor than those in the bupivacaine group (29.7 vs. 19.8%, respectively, requested one or more supplemental boluses; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Delivered as patient-controlled epidural analgesia, 0.1% ropivacaine and 0.5 microg/ml sufentanil produce less motor block but are clinically less potent than 0.1% bupivacaine and 0.5 microg/ml sufentanil.

Adult↗

Cesarean delivery: a randomized trial of epidural analgesia versus intravenous meperidine analgesia during labor in nulliparous women.

BACKGROUND: Controversy concerning increased cesarean births as a result of epidural analgesia for relief of labor pain has been attributed, in large part, to difficulties interpreting published studies because of design flaws. In this study, the authors compared epidural analgesia to intravenous meperidine analgesia using patient-controlled devices during labor to evaluate the effects of labor epidural analgesia, primarily on the rate of cesarean deliveries while minimizing limitations attributable to study design. METHODS: Four hundred fifty-nine nulliparous women in spontaneous labor at term were randomly assigned to receive either epidural analgesia or intravenous meperidine analgesia. Epidural analgesia was initiated with 0.25% bupivacaine and was maintained with 0.0625% bupivacaine and fentanyl 2 microg/ml at 6 ml/h with 5-ml bolus doses every 15 min as needed using a patient-controlled pump. Women in the intravenous analgesia group received 50 mg meperidine with 25 mg promethazine hydrochloride as an initial bolus, followed by 15 mg meperidine every 10 min as needed, using a patient-controlled pump. A written procedural manual that prescribed the intrapartum obstetric management was followed for each woman randomized in the study. RESULTS: A total of 226 women were randomized to receive epidural analgesia, and 233 women were randomized to receive intravenous meperidine analgesia. Protocol violations occurred in 8% (38 of 459) of women. There was no difference in the rate of cesarean deliveries between the two analgesia groups (epidural analgesia, 7% [16 of 226; 95% confidence interval, 4-11%] vs. intravenous meperidine analgesia, 9% [20 of 233; 95% confidence interval, 5-13%]; P = 0.61). Significantly more women randomized to epidural analgesia had forceps deliveries compared with those randomized to meperidine analgesia (12% [26 of 226] vs. 3% [7 of 233]; P < 0.001). Women who received epidural analgesia reported lower pain scores during labor and delivery compared with women who received intravenous meperidine analgesia. CONCLUSIONS: Epidural analgesia compared with intravenous meperidine analgesia during labor does not increase cesarean deliveries in nulliparous women.

Adult↗

Oral zidovudine during labor to prevent perinatal HIV transmission, Bangkok: tolerance and zidovudine concentration in cord blood. Bangkok Collaborative Perinatal HIV Transmission Study Group.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate tolerance for the oral administration of zidovudine (ZDV) during labor and measure the resulting ZDV concentrations in umbilical cord blood. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study of women in a placebo-controlled trial of short-course ZDV (twice a day from 36 weeks' gestation until labor and every 3 h during labor) to prevent perinatal HIV transmission in Bangkok. METHODS: Umbilical cord blood was collected. Sixty control specimens and specimens from 372 women (182 in the ZDV group, 190 in the placebo group) were tested for ZDV by radioimmunoassay (lower detection limit < 1 ng/ml). RESULTS: All women in the ZDV group took one or more labor dose, 170 (93%) took their last dose within 3 h of delivery, and only five (3%) experienced nausea or vomiting, a proportion similar to the placebo group. The median concentration of ZDV in the cord blood in the ZDV group was 252 ng/ml (range, < 1-1133 ng/ml); 31 (17%) specimens were less than 130 ng/ml (0.5 microM), the concentration thought to be active against HIV in vitro. Median concentrations were 189 ng/ml in specimens from women taking one or two labor doses, 290 ng/ml in those taking three or four doses, and 293 ng/ml in those taking more than four doses (P < 0.01). The ZDV concentration was not associated with time since the last dose, body weight, or perinatal transmission. CONCLUSION: Oral intrapartum ZDV was feasible and well tolerated. Most ZDV concentrations in the cord blood after oral dosing during labor were at therapeutic concentrations but were lower than those reported after continuous intravenous administration. Although concentrations were not associated with perinatal transmission, these data do not exclude the possibility that intrapartum and neonatal chemoprophylaxis is effective.

Administration, Oral↗

Effects of analgesia on labor.

Uterine activity may be defined in terms of the frequency of contractions of the uterus and the pressure generated by these contractions. Most studies that report an effect of analgesia on labor are retrospective, and, if prospective, are nonrandomized. Drug effects on uterine activity and labor progress are probably dose related, but are also influenced by a myriad of other factors including, but not limited to, the mother's emotional state, degree of cervical change, uterine contractility pattern, phase of labor, and individual differences in pharmacokinetics and drug sensitivity. The latest phase of labor may be prolonged by excessive narcotic or inappropriate timing of regional analgesia. The normal active phase tends to be resistant to the inhibitory effects of the usual amount of any analgesia. A brief period of decreased uterine activity often follows institution of analgesia. This may effectually accelerate labor in some patients by decreasing maternal anxiety and serum concentrations of catecholamines. A combination of sedation epidural blockade, and subsequent oxytocin use may prove effective in correcting a dysfunctional or hyperstimulatory pattern during the active phase. The second stage of labor may be slightly prolonged by effective epidural analgesia, but this delay is not necessarily harmful as long as the fetal heart rate tracing is normal, maternal hydration is adequate, and maternal pain relief is sufficient.

Analgesia, Obstetrical↗

Has the use of home monitors, fetal fibronectin, and measurement of cervical length helped predict labor and/or prevent preterm delivery in twins?

Home monitoring accurately detects contractions, and thus is useful in predicting preterm labor. Appropriate physician action is necessary to significantly prolong pregnancy even in the presence of evidence of excessive contractions. Despite conflicting studies, the majority of evidence heavily favors the use of monitoring as part of a comprehensive preterm birth prevention program. Indeed, monitoring has greater clinical utility in twin gestations because of the recognized propensity for preterm labor. Fetal fibronectin is one of the most sensitive and specific markers for preterm labor and subsequent early delivery presently available. It appears to be equally effective in multifetal gestations compared with singleton gestations, but intervention trials are needed to substantiate its clinical effectiveness. Cervical status monitoring by ultrasound correlates inversely with preterm labor, but studies in twin gestation are currently lacking. Other markers, such as salivary estriol for preterm labor, have yet to be assessed as predictors of preterm labor among multifetal gestations.

Cervix Uteri↗

Neuraxial analgesia for labor and birth: implications for mother and fetus.

Women are better educated today on issues related to labor and childbirth. Pain management options for the woman in labor have changed dramatically over the last decade. Systemic analgesia and dense-motor-blockade regional analgesia/anesthesia have become less common for childbirth while the use of newer neuraxial and regional techniques, with minimal motor blockade, have become more popular. The shift from regional anesthesia with significant motor-blockade during labor, where the woman is a passive participant during the labor and birth, to a collaborative approach for pain management, where the woman becomes an active participant, has resulted in a new philosophy of analgesia for labor and birth. This article provides a review of current neuraxial analgesia/anesthesia techniques used for pain management in labor and birth and their implications for the perinatal nurse.

Analgesia, Epidural↗

Monitoring the preterm fetus during labor.

The purpose of this article is to discuss special challenges in monitoring the preterm fetus during labor, review implications of preterm fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns, and highlight appropriate nursing interventions that contribute to the best outcomes for mothers and babies. With the current incidence of preterm birth, monitoring the preterm fetus during labor is a common perinatal nursing responsibility. Most of the published research on this topic was conducted in the 1980s; there has been little attention to FHR monitoring during preterm labor in recent studies. There has been much more accumulated evidence about antepartum testing techniques involving electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) for the preterm fetus in contrast to FHR patterns during labor. Thus, this is an area of opportunity for nursing research. The perinatal nurse has a key role in promoting positive outcomes when caring for women during preterm labor. The condition of the fetus during labor and birth has a significant impact on the likelihood of survival and the odds of developing serious complications of prematurity.

Cardiotocography↗

Epidural analgesia in labor and cesarean delivery for dystocia.

Published studies assessing the effect of epidural analgesia in nulliparous labor on the frequency of cesarean delivery for dystocia are reviewed. There are at least four retrospective studies and two prospective studies that suggest that epidural analgesia may increase the risk of cesarean delivery for dystocia in first labors. The potential for epidural to increase the frequency of cesarean delivery for dystocia is likely influenced by multiple variables including parity, cervical dilatation at epidural placement, technique of epidural placement, management of epidural during labor, and the obstetrical management of labor after placement of epidural analgesia. Two studies suggest that delaying placement of the epidural until 5 cm of cervical dilatation or greater may reduce the risk of cesarean birth. Epidural is safe and may be a superior labor analgesic when compared with narcotics. However, patients should be informed that epidural analgesia may increase the risk of cesarean birth in first labors.

Analgesia, Epidural↗

Increased rates of chorioamnionitis with extra-amniotic saline infusion method of labor induction.

OBJECTIVE: Extra-amniotic saline infusion has been shown to be equal to or more efficacious than misoprostol, laminaria, dinoprostone, and prostaglandin estradiol for cervical ripening and labor induction. Because of the introduction of a foreign body into the uterus, extra-amniotic saline infusion may potentially cause increased rates of chorioamnionitis. This study examines the risk of chorioamnionitis with extra-amniotic saline infusion compared with other methods of induction and spontaneous labor. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed based on deliveries at Bellevue Hospital Center, a tertiary-care facility, from August 2000 to December 2002. Three groups were identified: extra-amniotic saline infusion, other methods of induction, and spontaneous labor. Differences in chorioamnionitis rates were analyzed by using analysis of variance and multivariable logistic regression as appropriate. RESULTS: There were 625 charts evaluated: 171 extra-amniotic saline infusion, 190 other, and 264 with spontaneous labor. The rates of chorioamnionitis were 26.9%, 17.9%, and 13.3%, respectively. After adjusting for confounding variables, such as instrumentation, length of rupture, and number of exams, subjects who were induced with extra-amniotic saline infusion were significantly more likely to develop chorioamnionitis (relative risk = 2.2; 95% confidence interval 1.4, 4.0; P =.006). CONCLUSION: Extra-amniotic saline infusion may be associated with a greater risk of chorioamnionitis when compared with other methods of labor induction. Given the increased risk of chorioamnionitis associated with extra-amniotic saline infusion, its use should be in the context of a careful assessment of the risks and benefits of various methods of labor induction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-2

Adult↗

The role of uterine fundal pressure in the management of the second stage of labor: a reappraisal.

UNLABELLED: Among the maneuvers that are used in the second stage of labor, uterine fundal pressure is one of the most controversial. The prevalence of its use is unknown. We reviewed the existing literature to assess whether there is justification for the use of fundal pressure in the contemporary management of the second stage of labor. Only one randomized, controlled study and a few prospective studies, review articles, and case reports have been published. No confirmed benefit of the procedure has been documented and a few adverse events have been reported in association with its use. Alternative management strategies in the second stage of labor exist and should be considered whenever possible. In conclusion, the role of fundal pressure is understudied and remains controversial in the management of the second stage of labor. We believe that caution should be exercised using this maneuver until it is proven to be safe and effective. TARGET AUDIENCE: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completion of this article, the reader should be able to recall that there is a scarcity of literature related to the efficacy and safety of using fundal pressure during the second stage of labor, state that there is no confirmed benefit of the procedure and there may be some adverse maternal/fetal effects, and explain that there are alternative strategies for management of the second stage of labor.

Delivery, Obstetric↗

Variables that predict the success of labor induction.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the clinical and sonographic variables that affect the success of labor induction. METHODS: Bishop score, cervical length, and parity were studied in 196 pregnant women in the prediction of successful vaginal delivery within 24 hr of induction. Logistic regression and segmentation analysis were performed. RESULTS: Cervical length [odds ratio (OR) 1.089, P<0.001], Bishop score (OR 0.751, P=0.001), and parity (OR 6.85, P<0.001) predict the success of labor induction. The best cut-off points for cervical length were <16.5, 16.5--27, and >27 mm (P=0.0016). In the analysis of the Bishop score, we also obtained three discriminatory points, 0, 1--4, and >4 (P=0.0006), that best predict the labor induction. Finally, in a global analysis of the variables studied, the best statistic sequence that predicts the labor induction was found when we introduced parity in the first place. The success of labor induction in nulliparous was 50.77 and 83.33% in multiparous (P=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Cervical length, Bishop score, and parity predict the success of labor induction.

Adolescent↗

A comparison of intravaginal misoprostol and intracervical prostaglandin E2 gel for ripening of unfavorable cervix and labor induction.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effectiveness of single application of intravaginal misoprostol versus intracervical prostaglandin E2 gel for ripening the unfavorable cervix and labor induction. METHOD: One hundred and ten patients with indications for induction of labor with unfavorable cervices were randomized to receive either 100 microgram tablets of misoprostol placed in the posterior vaginal fornix or prostaglandin E2 1.5 mg in gel placed into the endocervix. Those, who were not in active labor after 24 hours, had labor induced with amniotomy and oxytocin. RESULTS: Among 110 patients recruited, 60 received misoprostol and 50 received prostaglandin E2 gel. The average interval from start of induction to vaginal delivery was 19.14 +/- 10.64 hours in misoprostol group and 21.37 +/- 13.09 hours in the prostaglandin E2 group (p = 0.33). Five patients (8%) in the misoprostol group had induction of labor after 24 hours of the treatment compared with 13 patients (26%) in the PGE2 group. The difference was significant (p = 0.03). Oxytocin augmentation was 35% in the misoprostol group and 34% in the prostaglandin E2 group (p = 0.86). There were no significant differences between routes of delivery. Nineteen patients (31%) in misoprostol group and 16 patients (32%) in the PGE2 gel group had cesarean deliveries. There was one case (1.7%) of uterine hyperstimulation in the misoprostol group and none in the PGE2 gel group. There were no significant difference in Apgar scores < 7 at 1 and 5 minutes, or admission to the neonatal intensive care unit between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Vaginal misoprostol is an effective agent for cervical ripening and induction of labor. Complications associated with prostaglandin administration were not statistically different between the 2 groups, but hyperstimulation occurred more in misoprostol group.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

Comparison of oral and vaginal misoprostol for induction of labor at term: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of oral with vaginal misoprostol for induction of labor at term. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-three pregnant women at term with indications for induction of labor and Bishop score < or = 6 were randomly assigned to receive misoprostol either 100 microg orally or 50 microg vaginally every 6 h for 48 h. Repeated doses were given until Bishop score > or = 8 was achieved or spontaneous rupture of membranes occurred. Those who were not in labor after 48 h had labor induced with amniotomy and oxytocin. The main outcome measure was induction to delivery time. RESULTS: The median induction to vaginal delivery time in the oral group (14.3 h) was not significantly different from that of the vaginal group (15.8 h). The median number of doses was also not significantly different in the oral group compared with the vaginal group. There was a significant higher incidence of uterine tachysystole in the vaginal group compared to the oral group (17.1% vs 5.3%, P = 0.032). There was no hyperstimulation in either group. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to oxytocin augmentation, cesarean section rate, analgesic requirement, and neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSION: Oral administration of 100 microg misoprostol has similar efficacy to intravaginal administration of 50 microg misoprostol for labor induction with less frequent abnormal uterine contractility. 100 microg of misoprostol orally can be used as an alternative to the vaginal route for labor induction.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

Labor experiences of childhood sexual abuse survivors.

This field study used the ethnographic method to describe and analyze the labor experiences of childhood sexual abuse survivors. The sample included seven sexual abuse survivors, five nurse-midwives, and three labor and delivery nurses. Data collection included in-depth interviews, participant observation in labor and delivery over a period of six years, and anecdotal material from the literature. Analysis followed Spradley's Developmental Research Sequence and included domain, taxonomic, componential and theme analysis. Women reported both forgetting and remembering abusive incidents, and described labor sensations reminiscent of sexual abuse. A heuristic for appraising labor styles suggestive of past sexual abuse includes fighting, taking control, surrendering, and retreating. These styles are considered extremes of women's reactions to labor and are directly linked to posttraumatic stress disorder. This study demonstrated that it is important for perinatal caregivers to understand the link between childhood sexual abuse and childbirth so that they can assist women to have a positive birth experience.

Child↗

Postterm pregnancy: putting the merits of a policy of induction of labor into perspective.

BACKGROUND: Several randomized, controlled trials compared the policies of induction of labor and expectant management for women who reach 41 weeks' gestation, and although they suggest a better outcome for mothers and infants with such a policy in place, controversy continues as to which is the better form of care. The Canadian Multicenter Postterm Pregnancy Trial (CMPPT) enrolled 3407 women, of whom 1701 were randomized to a policy of induction of labor (induced group) and 1706 were randomized to a policy of expectant management (expectant group). Secondary analyses of data from the CMPPT were undertaken to explore a number of controversial issues. METHODS: We used data from the CMPPT to explore further the timing of delivery for women enrolled between 41 0/7 and 41 6/7 weeks' gestation, the potential impact of more liberal use of prostaglandins on cesarean section rates, and the relative merits of induced versus spontaneous labor in the two groups. RESULTS: Most women in the CMPPT (89%) were enrolled at 41 0/7 to 41 6/7 weeks' gestation, of whom 86.2 percent in the induced group and 63.6 percent in the expectant group gave birth before 42 weeks' gestation. Assuming that administration of prostaglandins would reduce the likelihood of cesarean section by 12 to 15 percent, cesarean section rates were reduced in the induction group from 21.2 percent to 20.8 to 20.9 percent, and in the expectant group from 24.5 percent 23.3 to 24.2 percent. If labor was induced as part of a policy of expectant management, the cesarean section rate was much higher (33.5%) than if labor was either spontaneous or induced as part of a policy of induction (18.5%, 22.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Women should be informed of the benefits and risks associated with the policies of induction of labor and expectant management, and their preferences regarding these policies should be respected.

Adult↗

The effects of whirlpools baths in labor: a randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Showers and tubs in labor were not generally used in our center. When three whirlpool baths (Jacuzzis) were ordered as part of our renovations, a randomized, controlled trial was initiated to explore their effects on narcotic and epidural requirements. METHODS: This study employed an intent-to-treat design, and the sample size was estimated to account for the fact that some women would be unable to use the tub. The experimental group of 393 women was offered the tub during labor and the control group of 392 women received conventional care. RESULTS: No births occurred in the tub. The tub group required fewer pharmacologic agents than controls (66% vs 59%, p = 0.06), experienced fewer deliveries by forceps and vacuum (p = 0.019), and were more likely to have an intact perineum than the standard-care group (p = 0.019). Labor was longer for the tub group (p = 0.003), who coincidentally were more primiparous and in earlier labor on admission. No differences were noted in the low rates of maternal and newborn signs of infection in women with ruptured membranes. A subset of mothers expressed satisfaction with the tub experience and labor support. The cesarean rate among both groups was lower (8.9%) than our overall rate (16.6%) during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Whirlpool baths in labor have positive effects on analgesia requirements, instrumentation rates, condition of the perineum, and personal satisfaction. Further study is being planned.

Delivery Rooms↗

The role of the nurse in labor and delivery as perceived by nurses and patients.

A study was conducted to examine the role of the labor and delivery room nurse as perceived by expectant mothers trained in the Lamaze method of preparation for childbirth (L/RC), expectant mothers not trained in the Lamaze method (RC), and labor and delivery room nurses. All expectant mothers received baseline prenatal education by attending Red Cross Preparation for Parenthood. Perceptions were measured through a Q-sort of 50 items constructed for this study. Each item described a nursing behavior in labor and delivery. Differences between Q-sorts of expectant mothers and labor and delivery room nurses were insignificant. The collected data showed that labor and delivery room nurses were meeting the expectations of expectant mothers, both trained and not trained in the Lamaze method. Perceptions of the nurse's role in labor and delivery differed slightly so that individualization of care is important.

Adult↗