Patient-controlled epidural analgesia in labour - Is a continuous infusion of benefit?

Abstract

A randomised, single-blind study was conducted among 52 gravida in active labour, to investigate two variants of patient-controlled epidural analgesia - bolus only versus bolus plus infusion. Patient-controlled analgesia variables, using an epidural solution of 0.125% bupivacaine plus fentanyl 3 mcg per ml, were a 4 ml incremental bolus with 15 minute lookout, plus or minus a 4 ml per hour infusion. Up to three additional staff-administered supplements of 0.5% bupivacaine 4 ml (20 mg) were allowed. There was no significant difference between groups with respect to pain relief supplementary boluses required, satisfaction, side-effects or details of patient-controlled epidural analgesia, with the exception of greater fentanyl usage in the bolus plus infusion group (P < 0.003). Both groups had high quality analgesia, low rates of bupivacaine usage and were highly satisfied. However, under the conditions of the study, the addition of a continuous background infusion to self-administration conferred no benefit.