Effects of different delivery methods on maternal and fetal complications during labor / 复旦学报（医学版）

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the effects of 3 different delivery methods on maternal and fetal complications during labor and determine better mode of delivery. Methods Sixty pregnant women with ASA class Ⅰ or Ⅱ were randomly divided into three groups with 20 cases each the cesarean section group (group Ⅰ), the pain relief group (group Ⅱ) and normal delivery group (group Ⅲ). In group Ⅰ and Ⅱ, an epidural catheter was placed through L_(2-3) interval. 0.5% ropivacaine was injected via the epidural catheter for continuous epidural anesthesia in group Ⅰ. After a loading dose of 8-10 mL 0.125% ropivacaine+2 μg/mL fentany, the patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) during labor was started with bolus 5 mL, lockout interval 20 min and back ground infusion rate 6-8 mL/h in group Ⅱ. The level of block was controlled below T_(10). BP, HR and RR were continuously monitored during labor. Blood samples were taken from umbilical vein at delivery for blood gas analysis and determination of lactate concentration. Neonates were assessed by Apgar score and neurological and adaptive capacity score (NACS). Maternal postoperative complications were recorded. Results There was no statistical differences in plasma pH, PCO_2, PO_2, SO_2, Apgar score and NACS among 3 groups. The umbilical vein blood lactate concentration was significantly increased in group Ⅱ and Ⅲ compared to the group Ⅰ, while blood lactate concentration in group Ⅱ was lower than that in the group Ⅲ (P<0.05). Base excess (BE) was significantly higher in group Ⅲ than in group Ⅰ. Compared with group Ⅱ and Ⅲ, maternal postoperative complications such as urinary retention, postpartum hemorrhage and so on were increased significantly in group Ⅰ (P<0.05). PCEA provided satisfactory effect in group Ⅱ. Conclusions Epidural labor analgesia with 0.125% ropivacaine+2 μg/mL fentany can provide comparative and effective analgesia for pain relief during labor without adverse effects on the mothers and fetuses and may reduce the postoperative complications. It is a safer and more effective technique in pain relief during labor.