European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: To assess efficacy of epidural bupivacaine and fentanyl for labour analgesia.
Materials and Methods: One hundred ten pregnant women primigravida and multigravida (ASA grade II) age ranged 18-30 years were recruited for this observational study. All patients were given first loading dose of 10 ml 0.25% plain bupivacaine via epidural catheter followed by continuous epidural infusion of 0.0625% bupivacaine with 2.5 mcg/ml fentanyl @ 12ml/hour. The parturients were assessed for hemodynamics, mode of delivery, VAS and APGAR (neonatal outcome).
Results: There were 42 Primigravida and 68 Multigravida. The mean visual analogue score before drug was 5.42 and after drug was 2.18. Mode of delivery was natural in 95, vacuum cup assisted in 14 and caesarean section in 1 case. Patient satisfaction score was excellent in 20 patients, good in 90 and poor in 0. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). At 1 minute, APGAR score 7 was seen in 4, score 8 in 45, score 9 in 55 and score 10 in 6 patients. At 5 minutes, score 9 was seen in 25 and score 10 in 85 patients. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: Epidural labour analgesia with low dose bupivacaine (0.0625%) with fentanyl (2.5 mcg/ml), given through continuous infusion technique provides good pain relief to the parturient.