Perinatal outcomes: intravenous patient-controlled fentanyl versus no analgesia in labor.

Abstract

AIM:

To investigate perinatal outcomes, the analgesic efficacy and maternal satisfaction in nulliparous women receiving fentanyl intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (i.v.-PCA).

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

A total of 1401 nulliparous women with a singleton pregnancy who received fentanyl i.v.-PCA (i.v.-PCA group, n = 290) or no analgesia (control group, n = 1111) in labor between 2005 and 2010 were reviewed. Fentanyl i.v.-PCA was implemented on maternal request during the first stage of labor over 35 weeks of gestation, and discontinued at full cervical dilatation. Perinatal outcomes were compared between the i.v.-PCA and the control groups. The numerical rating scale (NRS) levels during labor were also examined in the i.v.-PCA group. Additionally, parturients received fentanyl i.v.-PCA in 2010 (n = 73) were asked about overall satisfaction using a scale poor, moderate, good and excellent on postpartum day 0-3.

RESULTS:

Women receiving i.v.-PCA showed significantly longer labor and more need of oxytocin augmentation, compared with the control. Cesarean section was significantly less frequent in the i.v.-PCA group compared with the control (11.0% v.s. 24.1%, respectively), with the vacuum-assisted delivery rate comparable between groups. Neonatal outcomes (i.e. Apgar score <7 at 1 min or 5 min, umbilical artery pH <7.20) were comparable between groups, irrespective of mode of delivery. Significant reduction of NRS levels was noted until 3 h after induction of i.v.-PCA, compared to the baseline. Of the women who expressed their satisfaction, 72% (48/67) exhibited 'excellent' or 'good' for pain relief by i.v.-PCA.

CONCLUSION:

Fentanyl i.v.-PCA could be a useful approach for labor pain relief in nulliparas when regional blocks are unavailable.

• Authors: Kei Miyakoshi, Mamoru Tanaka, Hiroshi Morisaki, Seon-Hye Kim, Yuki Hosokawa, Tadashi Matsumoto, Kazuhiro Minegishi, Yasunori Yoshimura
• Journal: The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research (J Obstet Gynaecol Res) Vol. 39 Issue 4 Pg. 783-9 (Apr 2013) ISSN: 1447-0756 [Electronic] Australia
• PMID: 23167696 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2012 The Authors. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research © 2012 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Chemical References

• Anesthetics, Intravenous
• Fentanyl

Topics

• Adult
• Analgesia, Patient-Controlled (adverse effects)
• Anesthesia, Obstetrical (adverse effects)
• Anesthetics, Intravenous (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Cohort Studies
• Female
• Fentanyl (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Humans
• Japan
• Patient Satisfaction
• Pregnancy
• Retrospective Studies
• Term Birth