Acupuncture treatment during labour--a randomised controlled trial

Objective To investigate acupuncture treatment during labour with regard to pain intensity, degree of relaxation and outcome of the delivery.
Design Randomised controlled trial.
Setting Delivery ward at a tertiary care centre hospital in Sweden.
Population Ninety parturients who delivered during the period April 12, 1999 and June 4, 2000.
Methods Forty-six parturients were randomised to receive acupuncture treatment during labour as a compliment, or an alternative, to conventional analgesia.
Main outcome measures Assessments of pain intensity and degree of relaxation during labour, together with evaluation of delivery outcome.
Results Acupuncture treatment during labour significantly reduced the need of epidural analgesia (12% vs 22%, relative risk [RR] 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30 to 0.92). Parturients who received acupuncture assessed a significantly better degree of relaxation compared with the control group (mean difference −0.93, 95% CI −1.66 to −0.20). No negative effects of acupuncture given during labour were found in relation to delivery outcome.
Conclusions The results suggest that acupuncture could be a good alternative or complement to those parturients who seek an alternative to pharmacological analgesia in childbirth. Further trials with a larger number of patients are required to clarify if the main effect of acupuncture during labour is analgesic or relaxing.     

Acupuncture administered after spontaneous rupture of membranes at term significantly reduces the length of birth and use of oxytocin. A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: The objective was to investigate whether acupuncture could be a reasonable option for augmentation in labor after spontaneous rupture of membranes at term and to look for possible effects on the progress of labor. METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial 100 healthy parturients, with spontaneous rupture of membranes at term, were assigned to receive either acupuncture or no acupuncture. The main response variables were the duration of active labor, the amount of oxytocin given, and number of inductions. RESULTS: Duration of labor was significantly reduced (mean difference 1.7 h, p=0.03) and there was significant reduction in the need for oxytocin infusion to augment labor in the study group compared to the control group (odds ratio 2.0, p=0.018). We also discovered that the participants in the acupuncture group who needed labor induction had a significantly shorter duration of active phase than the ones induced in the control group (mean difference 3.6 h, p=0.002). These findings remained significant also when multiple regression was performed, controlling for potentially confounding factors like parity, epidural analgesia, and birth weight. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture may be a good alternative or complement to pharmacological methods in the effort to facilitate birth and provide normal delivery for women with prelabor rupture of membranes.     

Anxiety assessment in parturients requesting epidural analgesia for pain relief

OBJECTIVES: Neuraxial methods provide the most effective labor pain relief. This study aimed at assessing anxiety level in parturients requesting epidural analgesia (EA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty five women in spontaneous, active labor were enrolled, both primiparas (n=36) and multiparas (n=9). Anxiety was assessed by means of Spielberger State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before administration of EA, and pain was measured by visual-analog scale (VAS) before and after analgesia. RESULTS: In all the studied parturients state anxiety was strikingly higher than the trait (53.9 +/- 11.8 vs. 39.3 +/- 8.4; P < 0.0001); the difference appeared insignificant in multiparas only. State anxiety was comparable independently of parity, labor outcome and systemic opioid administration. No association between anxiety level and labor pain intensity preceding analgesia, the duration of labor stages and demographic parameters could be found. However, a negative correlation between state anxiety and pain intensity reported after EA administration was noted (R = -0.315, p = 0.040), and, in cases of physiological labor, a negative association between state anxiety and the neonate Apgar score at the 1st minute after birth could be observed (R = -0.337, p = 0.047, Spearman rank test). CONCLUSIONS: In parturients requesting EA, state anxiety level is increased and not connected with the trait. Furthermore, in these women, anxiety appears not to be associated with labor pain but may influence the analgesic effect of the blockade. Anxiety does not determine labor duration and outcome; however, it may be connected with the well-being of the neonate immediately after birth.     

Labor pain and obstetric analgesia

GOAL AND METHODS: Labor pain is of major concern since most parturients experience significant pain of extremely severe intensity for many. The purpose of this review was to provide an overview of the mechanisms and pathways of labor pain (including new insights on integration of the nociceptive signal) and to emphasize the need of effective labor pain relief. RESULTS: Labor pain can have deleterious effects on the mother, on the fetus and on labor outcome itself. Among the current methods of obstetric analgesia, regional analgesia (the most widespread technique being epidural analgesia) offers the best effectiveness/safety ratio thanks to pharmacological innovations. Systemic analgesia (parenteral opioids, nonopioid painkillers and inhaled anesthetic agents) provides an alternative to regional analgesia but remains less effective and more hazardous. Non-drug approaches (namely psychoprophylaxis and physical methods) may be effective when used with epidural analgesia but are often not potent enough when used alone. CONCLUSION: Despite its complex pathophysiology, labor pain can be efficiently managed. Thanks to multidisciplinary care, obstetric analgesia (mainly epidural analgesia) prevents deleterious effects of labor pain on the mother and fetus.     

Acupuncture as Pain Relief During Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT: Background: Many women need some kind of analgesic treatment to relieve pain during childbirth. The objective of our study was to compare the effect of acupuncture with transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) and traditional analgesics for pain relief and relaxation during delivery with respect to pain intensity, birth experience, and obstetric outcome. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 607 healthy women in labor at term who received acupuncture, TENS, or traditional analgesics. Primary outcomes were the need for pharmacological and invasive methods, level of pain assessed by a visual analogue scale, birth experience and satisfaction with delivery, and pain relief evaluated at 2 months postpartum. Secondary obstetric outcomes were duration of labor, use of oxytocin, mode of delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, Apgar score, and umbilical cord pH value. Analysis complied with the intention‐to‐treat principle. Results: Use of pharmacological and invasive methods was significantly lower in the acupuncture group (acupuncture vs traditional, p < 0.001; acupuncture vs TENS, p = 0.031). Pain scores were comparable. Acupuncture did not influence the duration of labor or the use of oxytocin. Mean Apgar score at 5 minutes and umbilical cord pH value were significantly higher among infants in the acupuncture group compared with infants in the other groups. Conclusions: Acupuncture reduced the need for pharmacological and invasive methods during delivery. Acupuncture is a good supplement to existing pain relief methods. (BIRTH 36:1 March 2009)     

脉冲波疗法用于分娩镇痛的疗效分析

目的:研究作用于桡神经、正中神经、T10-L1节段脊髓背根神经的脉冲波疗法的镇痛效果及其对产程、分娩方式、产程干预、母儿并发症的影响。方法:133例初产妇随机分成镇痛组(75例)与对照组(58例),镇痛组在产程中使用GT-4A分娩镇痛工作站。观察两组产妇的镇痛效果、产程、分娩方式、产后出血及镇痛对母儿的不良反应等。结果:镇痛组镇痛前后的疼痛评分差异有显著性(P<0.05),镇痛组与对照组剖宫产率及产程中缩宫素应用率差异有显著性(P<0.05),两组的产程差异无显著性(P>0.05),镇痛组母儿均无明显不良反应。结论:该法操作简单,产妇易接受,对母儿无影响,能降低剖宫产率,减少产程干预,是比较理想的分娩镇痛方法。     

Low concentration Ropivacaine in labor epidural analgesia. A prospective study on obstetric and neonatal outcome]

BACKGROUND: Epidural analgesia effectively alleviates labor pain. However controversy exists about the effect of epidural analgesia on labor outcome. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of a low concentration local anesthetic (ropivacaine 0.08%) in labor epidural analgesia (LEA) on labor pain relief, on the incidence of cesarean sections and instrumental vaginal deliveries, and on neonatal outcome. METHODS: In the period April 1998 - July 2000, 323 women in active labor with live, singleton and in vertex presentation fetuses at term of gestation were included in this prospective study. Women with pre-gestational and/or obstetric diseases or previous caesarean deliveries were excluded. One-hundred and five patients requiring - by written informed consent - LEA were allocated to receive standardised protocol of a low concentration local anesthetic (ropivacaine 0.08%) coadministered with opioid (sufentanil): ropivacaine group. The remaining 239 parturients who didn't require LEA were included in the control group. RESULTS: The demographic characteristics of the two groups were similar; 12 (10.4%) patients receiving LEA delivered by cesarean section, 17 (14.8%) by vacuum extractor whereas 86 (74.8%) had a spontaneous delivery. The risk of cesarean section (adjusted for age, BMI, parity, neonatal weight and gynecologist) resulted lower, even if not significantly, in the ropivacaine group (OR 0.9; 95% IC: 0.6-1.3), while a significant increased instrumental vaginal delivery rate has been reported, although little numbers reduce statistical significance. Neonatal outcome was unaffected by the use of LEA. CONCLUSIONS: The conclusion is drawn that a lower concentration of ropivacaine (0.08%) in LEA produces good labor pain relief with no detectable adverse effects on mother and neonate, and without significantly increasing cesarean section rate.     

Parenteral opioids for labor analgesia

Labor pain relief is an important aspect of women's health that has historically been neglected. Epidural analgesia is the only consistently effective method of labor pain relief and has recently undergone substantial improvements to address the concerns of both parturients and obstetric care providers. With increased physician awareness, these recent advances are becoming more widely accepted and routinely available for all laboring parturients. Unfortunately, an increasing number of women are presenting to maternity wards with an absolute contraindication to epidural labor analgesia. The present review will provide an outline of the recent developments in parenteral analgesic options which complement modern epidural analgesic techniques. Protocols for the initiation of "state-of-the-art" parenteral analgesic techniques are provided as a guide to facilitate effective, modern, parenteral labor analgesia.     

Characteristics of parturients who choose to deliver without analgesia.

The purpose of the study was to characterize parturients who prefer to deliver without the use of analgesia. The study population consisted of 446 consecutive low risk laboring women in early active stage of labor. Data were collected prospectively by an obstetrician, using a structured questionnaire. The degree of pain was assessed by using a visual analog scale (VAS). An obstetrician and a midwife together estimated the degree of pain as was exhibited by the parturients, using the same scale. Univariate analysis found women who undertake labor without analgesia to be significantly older, with higher birth order, of Bedouin ethnicity and to be of lower educational level than those taking analgesics during labor. Women who refused analgesia had experienced and apparently expressed lower degrees of pain (mean VAS score = 7.4 and 6.7, respectively) than those who consented to analgesia (mean VAS score = 8.6 and 8.0, respectively; p < 0.001). A multiple logistic regression model found only the severity of pain (odds ratio (OR) = 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51-0.88; p = 0.004), as well as high maternal age (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.16-2.04; p = 0.038) to be independent factors affecting the decision not to accept analgesia during labor. In conclusion, parturients refusing analgesia were older and had experienced less pain during labor than women using analgesia.     

Pethidine versus tramadol for pain relief during labor.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of tramadol and pethidine in labor. METHOD: Fifty-nine full term parturients were randomly assigned to one of two groups in active labor. Group 1 received 100 mg pethidine; group 2, 100 mg tramadol, intramuscularly. Analgesic efficacy, maternal side effects, changes in the blood pressure, heart rate, and duration of labor were assessed. RESULT: At 30 and 60 min after drug administration, pain relief was greater in the pethidine group than in tramadol group. The incidence of nausea and fatigue was higher in the tramadol group. Following drug administration the decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and the increase in heart rate were statistically significant in both groups. No significant difference was found between the groups when compared for duration of labor and Apgar scores. None of the neonates developed respiratory depression. CONCLUSION: Pethidine seems to be a better alternative than tramadol in obstetric analgesia because of its superiority in analgesic efficacy and low incidence of maternal side effects.     

A comparison between the effectiveness of epidural analgesia and parenteral pethidine during labor

The study was aimed to define parturients' opinion on either epidural analgesia or intravenous pethidine, and to determine the effect of both analgesics after delivery. We interviewed and examined 401 consecutive parturients who requested analgesia during the beginning of their active stage of labor. Of those, 131 women requested and underwent epidural analgesia, and 270 received parenteral pethidine. The pain experienced before admission of any analgesia, was significantly higher in the epidural group than in the parental group (mean visual analog scale (VAS) score 8.9 and 8.4, respectively; P=0.004). However, after analgesics, women from the epidural analgesia experienced significantly less pain during labor as compared to those receiving pethidine (mean VAS scores 5.05 vs. 9.14, respectively; p<0.001). The pain scores 24 h after labor were significantly lower in patients who underwent epidural analgesia (1.69 vs. 2.13, respectively; p<0.001). We conclude that epidural analgesia is more effective than parenteral analgesia in pain and discomfort relief. This method is helpful also the day after delivery. Thus, epidural analgesia should be strongly recommended to all patients who do not have any medical contraindications to this method of treatment.     

经皮神经电刺激用于分娩镇痛的临床研究

目的：观察经皮神经电刺激（TENS）合谷、三阴交、足三里穴用于分娩镇痛的临床效果并探讨其作用机制。方法：80例产妇随机分为2组,A组为TENS穴位组（临产后即予以TENS合谷、三阴交、足三里穴直至胎儿娩出）;B组为对照组（不实施分娩镇痛）。记录2组产妇不同时点视觉模拟疼痛评分（VAS）、分娩结局及围生儿结局;于临产后（T0）、宫口开全时（T1）抽取静脉血检测2组产妇外周血β-内啡肽（β-EP）、皮质醇（Cor）及促肾上腺皮质激素（ACTH）的浓度。结果：A组产妇在产程潜伏期各时点VAS评分均低于B组,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,但进入产程活跃期2组产妇VAS 评分差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）;A组产妇产程时间短于B组,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;2组产妇产后出血量、新生儿Apgar评分差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。与T0时比较,2组产妇T1时外周血β-EP、Cor及ACTH浓度均升高（Ｐ＜0.0５）;A组产妇T1时β-EP浓度高于B组（P＜0.05）,Cor及ACTH浓度低于B组（P＜0.05）。结论：TENS合谷、三阴交、足三里穴可以很好地缓解潜伏期产痛,缩短产程,增加母婴安全性,其镇痛效果与β-EP含量明显增加及有效减少了产妇的应激反应有关,但活跃期镇痛不足是临床有待解决之处。     

Acupuncture for labor pain management: A systematic review

Acupuncture is widely used to alleviate symptoms in a variety of painful conditions. In obstetrics and gynecology, acupuncture has also been applied to a range of conditions including labor pain. This systematic review aims to critically evaluate the evidence on analgesic effect of acupuncture during labor. Computerized literature searches of 7 databases were performed for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of acupuncture involving needle insertion for pain during labor. Three RCTs were identified and their methodologic quality was generally good. Two RCTs compared adjunctive acupuncture with usual care only and reported a reduction of meperidine and/or epidural analgesia. One placebo acupuncture controlled trial showed a statistically significant difference in both subjective and objective outcome measures of pain. No adverse events were reported in any of the trials. It is concluded that the evidence for acupuncture as an adjunct to conventional pain control during labor is promising but, because of the paucity of trial data, not convincing. Further research is warranted to clearly define its place in labor pain management.     

Augmentation of bupivacaine analgesia in labor by epidural morphine

The analgesic properties and motor effect of epidural 0.25% bupivacaine (8 mL) were compared with those of epidural morphine (2 mg in 10 mL saline) followed by 8 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine. The study was performed on two groups of parturients (30 in each group) in active labor. Pain relief in the morphine-bupivacaine group lasted for a mean of 131.1 minutes (SD +/- 49.8) as opposed to the plain bupivacaine group -57 minutes (SD +/- 15.28). Satisfaction from analgesia in the morphine-bupivacaine group was higher as well. Motor involvement was not seen in either group. Perineal pain relief in the postpartum period lasted for a mean of 16 hours and 40 minutes in the morphine-bupivacaine group. It was concluded that the concomitant use of epidural morphine augmented the analgesic effect of 0.25% bupivacaine without motor effect.     

A comparison of tramadol and pethidine analgesia on the duration of labour: A randomised clinical trial

Background: The ideal obstetric analgesia should provide analgesic efficacy without attenuation of uterine contractions.
Aims: To compare the outcome of intramuscular administration of pethidine and tramadol in labour analgesia.
Methods: One hundred and sixty full-term parturients were randomly assigned to two equal groups in active labour. Group P received 50 mg pethidine; and group T, 100 mg tramadol intramuscularly.
Primary outcome measure was the duration of the labour. The analgesic efficacy, maternal side-effects, mode of delivery, maternal satisfaction and Apgar score as the secondary outcome were assessed.
Results: The duration of labour was shorter in group T, for first stage (190 vs 140 min; P  < 0.0001) and for second stage (33 vs 25 min; P  = 0.001). There were no differences in Groups P and T with respect to median (7 vs 8) and maximum (7.5 vs 8) visual analog scores (VAS) for pain at 10 min and one hour after drug administration. Women in group P had lower VAS pain scores than those in group T in the second stage of labour (8 vs 9; P  = 0/009). There was a significantly higher incidence of nausea and vomiting (35% vs 15%; P  = 0.003) and drowsiness (80% vs 29%; P  < 0.0001) in group P.
Conclusion: Both 100 mg tramadol and 50 mg pethidine provide moderate analgesia in first stage of labour. Tramadol seems to cause a shorter duration of labour and lower incidence of maternal side-effects. However, its analgesic efficacy was not found to be as effective as pethidine, especially in the second stage of labour.     

Effect of Labor Analgesia on Breastfeeding Success

Background: The effect of labor analgesia on breastfeeding success is not well defined. Some authors have hypothesized that labor analgesia may affect lactation success. The purpose of this observational study was to determine if intrapartum analgesia influenced breastfeeding success at 6 weeks postpartum in a setting that strongly supported breastfeeding. Methods: Healthy women with uncomplicated term pregnancies who planned to breastfeed consented to a telephone interview. We recorded demographic data, labor induction status, delivery mode, and analgesic medications. At between 6 and 8 weeks postpartum, patients were asked to describe breastfeeding use, problems encountered, solutions derived, sources of support and information, and satisfaction. We created a logistic regression model using intrapartum analgesia information and controlling for demographic factors previously correlated with lactation success. Results: We enrolled 189 women, contacted 177 women postpartum, and obtained complete data on 171 women. Of these, 59 percent received epidural analgesia, 72 percent breastfed fully, and 20 percent breastfed partially (> 50% of infant nutrition) at 6 weeks postpartum. After controlling for demographics and labor outcome, we could not demonstrate a correlation between breastfeeding success at 6 to 8 weeks and labor analgesia. Conclusions: In a hospital that strongly promotes breastfeeding, epidural labor analgesia with local anesthetics and opioids does not impede breastfeeding success. We recommend that hospitals that find decreased lactation success in parturients receiving epidural analgesia reexamine their postdelivery care policies.     

分娩疼痛机制与常用分娩镇痛方法

分娩疼痛是妇女分娩过程中产生的一种复杂的生理心理活动,疼痛级别高、持续时间长,对分娩会造成极为不利的影响。用以应对的办法是分娩镇痛,即设法使分娩时的疼痛减轻或消失,其包括药物性镇痛和非药物性镇痛。药物性镇痛是指应用麻醉药或镇痛、镇静药来达到镇痛效果,是分娩镇痛的主要措施;非药物性镇痛则是通过心理支持、物理治疗等方法缓解疼痛,是分娩镇痛的研究热点。理想的分娩镇痛方法可明显减轻产妇疼痛程度,并确保母婴安全。综述分娩疼痛的机制及其对分娩造成的影响、常用的分娩镇痛方法及其利弊,了解分娩镇痛特点,以探索高效且易于被接受的分娩镇痛措施。     

Low Dose Epidural Analgesia During Labor: Comparison Between Patient Controlled Epidural Analgesia with Basal Continuous Infusion and Intermittent Bolus Technique

Objectives

To compare the efficacy and safety of patient controlled epidural analgesia with basal continuous infusion versus intermittent bolus for labor analgesia using fentanyl and bupivacaine.

Methods

In this prospective study, 60 parturients having singleton term uncomplicated pregnancy in early active labor were included. 30 parturients were allocated to receive patient controlled epidural analgesia + basal continuous infusion (Group-A) and 30 received intermittent bolus on demand (Group-B). Efficacy of technique was assessed in terms of quality of analgesia on 0–10 cm verbal analogue scale. Effect on labor was assessed by duration of labor, mode of delivery, and parturient’s satisfaction. Neonatal outcome was measured by Apgar score. Data were expressed as mean ± SD and analysed using Student ‘t’ test and chi square test where appropriate. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Analgesic efficacy of both the groups was comparable. Maternal satisfaction was better in group A than in group B but the results did not achieve statistical significance. Effect on labor and neonatal outcome were comparable.

Conclusions

Both the techniques appear to be safe for the mother and neonate with excellent analgesic efficacy. In a busy obstetric unit with increased demand of epidural analgesia, patient controlled epidural analgesia with basal continuous infusion may be preferred.     

脉冲波疗法用于分娩镇痛的临床效果分析

目的 探讨脉冲波疗法用于分娩镇痛的临床效果以及对产妇和新生儿的影响.方法 150例初产妇随机分成镇痛组和对照组,镇痛组在产程中使用GT-4A分娩镇痛工作站.观察两组产妇的镇痛效果、产程时间、分娩方式、产后出血及镇痛对母儿的影响,并将镇痛组与75例硬膜外自控镇痛的初产妇即PCEA组分娩方式及缩宫素使用率进行比较.结果 镇痛组镇痛前后疼痛评分差异有非常显著性(P＜0.01);镇痛组与对照组的活跃期、第一产程、第二产程时间比较差异有显著性(P＜0.005);镇痛组与对照组比较剖宫产率差异有显著性(P＜0.05),产程中缩宫素使用率差异无显著性(P＞0.05);镇痛组与对照组比较产后出血及新生儿评分等差异无显著性(P＞0.05).镇痛组与PCEA组比较缩宫素使用率及阴道助产率有显著性差异(P＜0.05),镇痛组明显低于PCEA组.结论 GT-4A分娩镇痛工作站为非药物非创伤性镇痛,具有良好的镇痛效果,可缩短产程,对母儿无不良影响,提高产妇对分娩的依从性,能降低剖宫产率,操作简单,产妇易于接受,是一种较为理想的分娩镇痛方法.     

What determines the analgesic effect of paracervical block?

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of paracervical block (PCB) in labor pain relief and to discover the determinants associated with good analgesia. METHODS: In a prospective trial, 341 women received PCB for pain relief in the first stage of labor, with 10 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine or racemic bupivacaine. All these pregnancies were uncomplicated and the progress of labor was normal. The analgesic effect of PCB was measured by using a visual analog scale (VAS). The factors associated with good pain relief (>50% decrease in the VAS score within 30 min) were analyzed statistically by Student's t-test or the Mann-Whitney test (continuous variables), Fisher's exact test (categorial variables) and after univariate analysis by logistic regression analysis. For pairwise comparisons, Wilcoxon's signed ranks test was used. RESULTS: Good pain relief was achieved in 47.2% of the cases. 12.3% of the parturients needed subsequent epidural or spinal analgesia. In logistic regression analysis, primiparity, a high pain score before PCB, and PCB given by a specialized obstetrician were found to affect the level of pain relief 30 min after PCB. CONCLUSIONS: The best pain relief after PCB was achieved among primiparas. Good pain relief was connected with a high pain score before PCB and an experienced obstetrician.