Continuous infusion epidural analgesia in obstetrics |
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Authors: | A. Ewen MB ChB FFARCS D. D. Mcleod MB ChB FFARCS D. M. Macleod MB ChB FFARCSI Alison Campbell MB ChB FFARCS M. E. Tunstall MB BS FFARCS |
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Affiliation: | Registrar, Department of Anaesthetics, Aberdeen Royal lnfinrary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB9 2ZB.;Senior Registrar, Department of Anaesthetics, Aberdeen Royal lnfinrary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB9 2ZB.;Registrar, Department of Anaesthetics, Aberdeen Royal lnfinrary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB9 2ZB.;Registrar, Department of Anaesthetics, Aberdeen Royal lnfinrary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB9 2ZB.;Consultant, Department of Anaesthetics, Aberdeen Royal lnfinrary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB9 2ZB. |
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Abstract: | The effects of 0.08% (Group A) and 0.25% (Group B) solutions of bupivacaine were compared in a random manner, to assess continuous pump infusion epidural analgesia in labour. Both solutions were infused at a dose rate of 20 mg bupivacaine/hour. The results in all the mothers who had received infusions lasting more than 4 hours were studied. There were 25 in Group A and 28 in Group B. Any treatment during the infusion epidural for inadequate analgesia, hypotension, etc., was recorded as an intervention. The mean of the intervention-free intervals was significantly greater in Group A than in Group B, and significantly fewer top-up injections were required in Group A. The results show that the administration of a 0.08% solution of bupivacaine into the epidural space by continuous pump infusion is more labour saving than the infusion of a 0.25% solution. The concept that a greater volume infusion rate maintains a more extended liquid sleeve of local anaesthetic in the epidural space is supported. |
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Keywords: | Anaesthetic techniques regional epidural Anaesthetics local bupivacaine |
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