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Original Article
Access this article online Maternal and fetal effects of analgesia during labor remain
Quick Response Code: central to discussions among patients, anesthesiologists, and an
Website:
www.joacc.com obstetrical caregivers[3,4] with the controversies[5,6] in obstetrical
anesthesia including the effects of regional anesthesia on the
progress and outcome of labor as well as effects on the neonate.[3,4]
DOI:
10.4103/2249-4472.114284
Of all the available methods of labor analgesia, epidural
analgesia satisfies the basic requirements of labor analgesia
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Chhetty, et al.: Ropivacaine 0.125% versus 0.2% with fentanyl for labor analgesia
by fulfilling the objective of decreasing the pains of labor analysis resulted in a calculated sample size of a minimum of
without affecting other sensations such as a desire to push and 28 subjects per group to obtain statistical significance assuming
to allow normal walking while preserving the tone of pelvic and α error of 0.05 and power of 0.9. The study was designed
floor muscles as well as retaining the sensation of the baby’s to provide 90% power to detect a decrease in success rate from
head in the vagina; thus, allowing labor to proceed unhindered. 90% to 70% with a one-tailed test at 5% significance level.
However, since a minimum of 30 subjects are required for a
Ropivacaine, an amide local anesthetic is less cardiotoxic in clinical study to be valid and to compensate for dropouts a
animals[7] as well as it may also be more selective for sensory sample size of 40 subjects per group was chosen.
fibers when compared to other local anesthetics, producing less
motor block.[8] This allows for increased maternal ambulation Study patients (n = 80) were randomly assigned to one of
and also allows for normal progression of labor, which translates two groups of 40 each, using a computer generated table of
into fewer instrumental deliveries and more vaginal deliveries[9] random number to receive epidural injection using either,
although this is controversial.[10] These factors suggest that 15 ml of ropivacaine 0.125% with 2 μg/ml fentanyl (group R1)
ropivacaine may be superior to bupivacaine in obstetric or 15 ml of ropivacaine 0.2% with 2 μg/ml fentanyl (group R2).
analgesia.
For group R1, 15 ml of 0.125% ropivacaine was prepared
Minimum local anesthetic concentration (MLAC) studies by taking 2.5 ml of 0.75% isobaric ropivacaine (Ropin®)
by up and down sequential allocation have found both 0.2% (Neon Laboratories Ltd. 140, Damji Samji Industrial Complex,
and 0.1% ropivacaine to be effective for labor analgesia.[11] Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra
OPRM A118G gene has been reported to be present in a higher 400093) and diluting it with 12.5 ml of 0.9% normal saline.
number of Asians as compared to their Western counterparts, For group R2, 15 ml of ropivacaine (0.2%) was taken directly
which pre-disposes the Asian populace to a higher degree from a 20 ml ampoule (Ropin®, Neon). 30 μg of fentanyl
of pain perception.[12] Studies are lacking from the Indian (Trofentyl®, Troikaa Laboratories Ltd.) were taken by using
subcontinent, which highlight the efficacy of 0.2% versus six parts from a tuberculin syringe graduated in markings to
0.125% ropivacaine for labor analgesia, which prompted us divide 1 ml (50 mcg/ml) into 10 parts and added to 15 ml of
to undertake this study. ropivacaine in both groups to achieve a final concentration of
fentanyl (2 mcg/ml).
The objective of this study was to evaluate 0.125% versus
0.2% ropivacaine, with 2 μg/ml of fentanyl in epidural Double blindness of the study was ensured by involving,
labor analgesia, regarding their sensory and motor block three different anesthesiologists for preparing the drugs,
characteristics as well as the fetomaternal outcomes. administering them and for recording the data.
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Chhetty, et al.: Ropivacaine 0.125% versus 0.2% with fentanyl for labor analgesia
the patient whether she felt dizzy, had tinnitus, or a metallic duration from injection of first initial epidural bolus dose to
taste in her mouth. If there were no signs of an intravascular attainment of VAS <3 and duration of analgesia of initial bolus
injection, the catheter was secured and the woman was placed dose was defined as time of administration of study drug until
in the supine position with left uterine displacement. Five the time of demand of top-up for the first time.
minutes after the test dose, if there were no clinical signs of
subarachnoid injection (as evidenced by the patient’s ability to Motor block assessment was carried out by BMBS, [1-6]
move her legs and the absence of hypotension), an additional Romberg’s sign, straight leg raising test, rectus abdominalis
12 ml of the study solution was administered. This dose was muscle test, and trial walk.
defined as first initial bolus dose and time was noted. On
intravascular placement of the catheter, it was removed and The time taken by the parturient to request for subsequent
resisted at another interspace while all patients with intradural top-up dose was recorded. Labor was managed according to our
placement of catheter were removed from the study. The obstetric department’s protocols and mode of delivery (normal/
adequacy of analgesia was assessed 5 min after the first initial instrumental delivery/caesarean delivery) was noted. Injection
bolus dose of study drug had been administered. Analgesia was delivery interval was defined as the time from administration of
considered adequate if pain score was <3. Onset of analgesia first initial epidural dose until the delivery. Fetal heart rate was
was defined as from time of first bolus dose to time of achieving monitored throughout the study by using a cardiotocograph,
VAS <3. If analgesia was not adequate 15 min after the first and any evidence of fetal heart rate decelerations was recorded.
initial dose, an additional 15 ml of study medication (second Neonatal assessment was performed by assessing the Apgar
initial dose) was administered, and analgesia reassessed in the score at 1 and 5 min.
same manner. If pain relief was inadequate at the peak of a
contraction, 15 min after the second initial dose of ropivacaine; Quality of maternal expulsive efforts was assessed by
the epidural anesthetic was classified as ropivacaine failure, an obstetrician as Grade 0 – Failure, 1 –Incomplete, 2 –
and patient withdrawn from the study. Presence of motor block Good, 3 – Excellent. Quality of analgesia was assessed
in the lower extremities was assessed using a Breen modified by an esthesiologist as Grade 0 – Failure, 1 – Incomplete,
Bromage scale (BMBS: Grade 1 as complete motor block to 2 – Good, 3 – Excellent, 4 – Not possible to evaluate (NPE) if
Grade 6 as no motor block). VAS and BMBS was assessed delivered by cesarean section. Side-effects including nausea,
every 15 min. All parturients were given a trial walk to assess vomiting, hypotension, hypersensitive reaction, shivering,
fever, drowsiness, pruritus, respiratory depression, retention
their ability to ambulate. An additional dose of ropivacaine
of urine, and weakness in limbs were noted.
15 ml was given as a top-up dose on patient request, with
a minimum gap of 15 min between two subsequent top-up
Statistical analysis
doses. Epidural analgesia was continued through the second
For categorical variables (presented as number [proportions]),
stage of labor.
the proportions of variances in the two groups were compared
using the Chi-squared test with calculation of the 2 statistic
At any point of time during the study period hypotension
value and P value. For quantitative variables (data presented
was defined as systolic blood pressure of <90 mmHg and
as mean ± standard deviation [SD] measurements), the groups
was treated with bolus of 6 mg ephedrine HCl. Bradycardia
were compared using Student’s t-test for independent samples.
was defined as heart rate <60 bpm and was treated with bolus
For all statistical analyses, the level of significance was
doses of 0.4 mg atropine sulfate.
P < 0.05 and the software used was Microsoft Excel 2007
Data recording and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (IBM
Demographic data (age, weight, height), obstetric data Business analytics software) version 20.0.0.
(parity, dilatation of the cervix [0-10 cm], station of the vertex
of the presenting part [−3 to +3], effacement of the cervix (%),
RESULTS
membrane status) were noted prior to the initiation of labor
analgesia. Demographic data, obstetric data, and injection delivery interval
were comparable in both groups, P > 0.05 [Table 1]. Before
Pain score (VAS), sensory and motor block characteristics and initiation of analgesia mean VAS score was 9.80 ± 0.61 in
vital parameters (pulse, mean arterial pressure, respiratory group R1 and 9.90 ± 0.50 in group R2 (P > 0.05). Both the
rate) were recorded at 0 (before epidural), 5, 15 min and then concentrations of ropivacaine (0.125% in group R1 and 0.2%
every 15 min till 1 h and then every 30 min until the delivery. in group R2) produced effective analgesia (defined by VAS <3)
Sensory block height was assessed by loss of sensation to pin after single initial bolus dose in parturients of both the groups,
prick (blunt head of a pin). Onset of analgesia was defined as stating no failure rate.
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Chhetty, et al.: Ropivacaine 0.125% versus 0.2% with fentanyl for labor analgesia
After epidural injection majority of parturients (75%) achieved each group and was found to be significantly more in group R2
VAS <3 significantly earlier in group R2 (0-5 min), than in (132 ± 56.81 min) than in group R1 (72.25 ± 40.26 min)
group R1 (5-15 min), signifying onset of analgesia to be (P < 0.001). In group R2 only 2 (5%) patients required a single
significantly faster in group R2 as compared to group R1, top-up dose and 38 (95%) patients had adequate analgesia until
P < 0.001. After 5 min of epidural bolus injection, VAS score the delivery after initial bolus dose, whereas in group R1 only
was significantly less in group R2 (1.63 ± 2.89) than in group 13 (32.5%) parturients could achieve effective analgesia until
R1 (5.00 ± 2.89) P < 0.001. All the parturients in both the the delivery after initial bolus dose, 22 (55%) required a single
groups attained a sensory blockade level of T10 and none top-up dose and 5 (12.5) required two top-ups (P < 0.001).
of the patients in both the groups showed a sensory block Overall significantly higher number of parturients in group R1
higher than T10. Duration of analgesia of initial bolus dose, (n = 27, 67.5%) required one or more top-up doses (P < 0.001).
defined as the time until parturient requests for additional first top-up dose was required significantly earlier in group R1
analgesia (first top-up), was calculated for all 40 patients in (58.15 ± 22.65 min) than in group R2 (131.30 ± 57.11 min),
P < 0.001. Mean number of top-up doses for each patient was
significantly higher in group R1 (0.80 ± 0.65) than in group R2
Table 1: Demographic and obstetric data
(0.05 ± 0.22), P < 0.001. Total dose of ropivacaine consumed
Variable Group R1 Group R2 P value
(n=40) (%) (n=40) (%) in both groups was comparable (P > 0.05), but total dose of
Age (years) 24.13±3.46 24.15±2.76 NS fentanyl was significantly higher in group R1 (54.00 ± 19.45
Weight (kg) 54.90±5.82 55.50±5.67 NS mcg) than in group R2 (31.50 ± 6.62 mcg) P < 0.001 [Table 2].
Height (ft. in) 5.08±0.45 5.05±0.53 NS
Parity VAS scores were significantly lower in group R2 than in group
Multiparous 18 (45) 19 (47.5) NS R1 at 5 min, 60 min and 90 min of the study period, P < 0.001
Primi 22 (55) 21 (52.5) NS
[Figure 1]. Motor block characteristics in both groups were
Obstetric data
Dilation of cervix (cm) 3.43±0.64 3.33±0.73 NS
comparable. All parturients had negative Romberg’s sign and
Station of vertex 2.05±1.06 2.20±0.82 NS straight leg raising test with a positive trial walk and a BMBS of 6
Effacement of cervix (%) 85±14 86±13 NS significantly no motor blockade at all-time intervals of the study.
Presence of membrane
Absent 2 (5) 7 (17.50) NS Haemodynamic status of parturients in both groups was
Present 38 (95) 33 (82.50) NS comparable. None of the patients in any group required either
P>0.05 (NS: Not significant)
ephedrine or atropine [Table 3].
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Chhetty, et al.: Ropivacaine 0.125% versus 0.2% with fentanyl for labor analgesia
5 P<0.001
baseline
4
Baseline heart rate (bpm) 73.53±6.66 72.53±8.05 P>0.05 (NS)
3
P<0.01 P<0.001 Lowest heart rate (bpm) 69±7.60 67±7.42 P>0.05 (NS)
2
% fall of heart rate from 6.16 7.62 P>0.05 (NS)
1 baseline
0
P>0.05 (NS: Not significant), MAP: Mean arterial pressure, SD: Standard
0 Min 5 Min 15 Min 30 Min 45 Min 60 Min 90 Min
deviation
Time
Figure 1: Mean visual analog scale values at various time intervals Table 4: Maternal expulsive efforts assessed by
obstetrician and quality of analgesia (as assessed
Spontaneous vaginal delivery occurred in all (100%) parturients by parturient and anesthesiologist)
in group R1 and 95% (n = 38) in group R2. 1 (2.5%) parturient Maternal expulsive Group R1 Group R2
each had forceps and cesarean delivery in group R2, P > 0.05. efforts No. % No. %
Grade 0 – Failure 0 0 1 2.5
Obstetrician’s graded maternal expulsive efforts as excellent Grade 1 – Incomplete 0 0 0 0
in most of the parturients in both groups (P > 0.05). Grade 2 – Good 9 22.5 7 17.5
Grade 3 – Excellent 31 77.5 32 80
Parturients and anesthesiologists graded acceptance rate
Parturient’s acceptance
as either excellent or “good” in both groups. However,
Grade 0 – Failure - - - -
significantly higher number of cases (97.5%) reported Grade 1 – Incomplete - - - -
acceptance rate as excellent in group R2, by both parturients Grade 2 – Good 7 17.5 - -
and anesthesiologists (P < 0.001) [Table 4]. Grade 3 – Excellent 33 82.5 39 97.5*
Grade 4 – NPE - - 1 2.5
Neonatal outcome was favorable in both the groups Anesthesiologist’s grading
(Apgar scores >7 at 1 and 5 min) with no side-effects. Grade 0 – Failure - - - -
Grade 1 – Incomplete - - - -
Grade 2 – Good 5 12.5 - -
DISCUSSION Grade 3 – Excellent 35 87.5 39 97.5*
Grade 4 – NPE - - 1 2.5
The last few years have been marked by the arrival of new 2
=8.50, df=2, *P<0.01 (S). NPE: Not possible to evaluate because of cesarean
local anesthetics; ropivacaine and levobupivacaine, with section
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Chhetty, et al.: Ropivacaine 0.125% versus 0.2% with fentanyl for labor analgesia
concentration of ropivacaine had also been reported.[20] Duration nulliparous parturients, whereas we studied both nullipara and
of analgesia of initial bolus dose was also significantly more with multipara parturients and a significant correlation between
0.2% ropivacaine in our study as observed by others.[21] Addition parity and duration of labor has been found in earlier studies.[32]
of adjuvant opioids leads to further increase in duration of
analgesia.[22] Time of first top-up was also significantly more In our study, maternal expulsive effort, instrumental delivery,
in 0.2% group, which is in concordance to other studies.[20,23] and neonatal status were comparable in both groups as
Requirement of top-up doses was also significantly less frequent observed by others.[17,30,33] Authors of the Cochrane systematic
in 0.2% group, but total dose of ropivacaine was comparable review (2011)[29] opined that epidural analgesia appeared to
in two groups (31.75 mg in group R2 and 33.75 mg in group be effective in reducing pain during labor. However, women
R1) because repeated top-ups of 0.125% ropivacaine resulted who used this form of pain relief were at increased risk of
in same total dose of ropivacaine. Nevertheless repeated having an instrumental delivery. Epidural analgesia had no
top-up doses had 2 mcg/ml fentanyl and led to consumption statistically significant impact on the risk of cesarean section,
of significantly higher amount of fentanyl in group R1 maternal satisfaction with pain relief and long-term backache
(54 mcg in group R1 vs. 31.50 mcg in group R2). The recent and did not appear to have an immediate effect on neonatal
trend in practitioners of labor analgesia is to use the least possible status as determined by Apgar scores. However, they also
concentration of local anesthetic and adjuvant for the purpose stated that further research would be helpful to evaluate rare
of attaining analgesia. The main undesirable side-effects with but potentially severe adverse effects of epidural analgesia on
ropivacaine analgesia are hypotension, bradycardia, nausea, women in labor and long-term neonatal outcomes. Our study
paresthesia, and urinary retention, which are considered mild was not designed with the objective of assessing the mode of
and transient. However, the side-effects observed with opioids delivery of the parturients participating in the study. Hence,
are multivariate (nausea, pruritus, respiratory depression, appropriately powered and designed studies may help in further
lower Apgar scores in the neonate). All of these undesirable researching this aspect of labor analgesia.
effects warrant a decrease in the dosage of epidural opioids that
are used for analgesia in the laboring patient. The amount of No parturient had hypotension, hypersensitivity reaction,
ropivacaine and fentanyl that were required to attain analgesia pruritus, nausea, urinary retention, vomiting, respiratory
in our study were comparatively high. This could be attributed depression, weakness in the limbs or shivering, though
to the differences in the techniques of administering analgesia: cases of pruritus,[26] hypotension,[30] have been reported with
Intermittent boluses versus infusion by patient controlled
epidural labor analgesia. Both concentrations produced
epidural analgesia (PCEA). Studies have demonstrated that
maternal expulsive efforts, parturient and anesthesiologist
PCEA labor analgesia consumes significantly lesser amount
acceptance grades in excellent or good range similar to Beilin
of the local anesthetic opioid mixture.[24,25] Interestingly, Tan
(92% satisfaction)[21] and Lee[17] who reported a satisfaction
et al. (2009),[12] in their study concluded that the A118G single
grade of 8 on a scale of 10 for all concentrations. However,
nucleotide polymorphism of the human mu opioid receptor
in our study parturient and anesthesiologist acceptance was
(OPRM) gene influences one’s requirement of additional
significantly superior in R2 group, which could be attributable
analgesia.
to less breakthrough pain that caused significantly less number
In the present study, no motor block was observed in both of top-up requirement and VAS also remained significantly low
groups, which is in concordance to others.[17,23,26] However, higher at various time intervals.
incidence of motor block in previous studies could be attributed
The limitations of this study could be a requirement of a
to higher concentrations of ropivacaine (0.25%, 0.275%,[27]
0.5%[28]). In a Cochrane systematic review of epidural versus larger sample size which would give a wider perspective on
no analgesic in labor that included 38 studies involving 9658 maternal and neonatal side-effects. Similarly, a comparison of
women; 13 of the studies reported hypotension as an adverse intermittent boluses versus a continuous infusion technique
effect.[29] We also observed slight fall in the MAP and heart would give a better estimation of local anesthetic and opioid
rate, but none of the patients had episodes of hypotension and consumption in both groups.
bradycardia requiring treatment as was also noted earlier[20,26]
that changes in maternal pulse rate (PR) and blood pressure are CONCLUSION
not related to change in the dose of local anesthetic.
In spite of the above limitations, we have arrived at the conclusion
Injection delivery interval was comparable in both groups, that both the concentrations are effective in producing labor
but it was shorter as compared to others.[20,30,31] The reason for analgesia. Group R2 (0.2% ropivacaine) parturients; however,
this difference is probably because other studies included only had a faster onset and significantly longer duration of analgesia
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Chhetty, et al.: Ropivacaine 0.125% versus 0.2% with fentanyl for labor analgesia
with a single dose and required lesser top-ups, resulting in a 16. Dresner M, Freeman J, Calow C, Quinn A, Bamber J. Ropivacaine 0.2%
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Conflict of Interest: Chhetty YK, Naithani U, Gupta S, Bedi V, Agrawal I,
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Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None declared.
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22 Journal of Obstetric Anaesthesia and Critical Care / Jan-Jun 2013 / Vol 3 | Issue 1