Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing 5/2019

01-10-2019 | Original Research

Patient intermittent epidural boluses (PIEB) plus very low continuous epidural infusion (CEI) versus patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) plus continuous epidural infusion (CEI) in primiparous labour: a randomized trial

Published in: Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing | Issue 5/2019

Login to get access

Abstract

Epidural maintenance technique for labour analgesia updates constantly. Thanks to infusion pumps, the recently developed programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) may reduce the use of anesthetic drugs and minimize unintended consequences such as cardio or neurotoxicity. Nevertheless, it is not yet a general practice. So far, there are no comparative studies in the literature that address levobupivacaine-based CEI + PCEA versus CEI + PIEB + PCEA. A randomized double-blind trial was carried out to evaluate if PIEB could reduce local anesthetic use compare to PCEA. Primiparous pregnant patients were divided into two groups: PIEB group (continuous infusion plus intermittent automatic doses) and PCEA group (continuous infusion plus PCEA). The primary objective was to analyze the differences between both groups regarding levobupivacaine total dose. The secondary objectives were to find out the differences concerning pain control, motor blockage, satisfaction score, labour time and delivery outcomes. Statistical analyses were done by protocol. The study recruited 200 patients (103 PIEB, 97 PCEA). The total dose administered was significantly higher in PIEB group: PCEA group 52.97 mg, IC 95% 45.65–60.28 mg and PIEB group 62.04 mg, IC 95% 55.46–68.61 mg (p = 0.021). PIEB group required fewer top up boluses (median value1; range 0–2) than CEI + PCEA group (median value 6; range 3–9) p < 0.05. Satisfaction scores were higher in PIEB group (p = 0.039, CI 95% 1.23–1.42). CEI + PIEB was found to be a good alternative to CEI + PCEA with very high rates of satisfaction in both groups although it was higher in PIEB group. PIEB group required fewer PCEA boluses. Further studies are needed to determine the best approach for epidural pain management.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Literature
1.
go back to reference Gizzo S, Noventa M, Fagherazzi S, Lamparelli L, Ancona E, Di Gangi S, et al. Update on best available options in obstetrics anaesthesia: perinatal outcomes, side effects and maternal satisfaction. Fifteen years systematic review. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2014;290:21–34.CrossRefPubMed Gizzo S, Noventa M, Fagherazzi S, Lamparelli L, Ancona E, Di Gangi S, et al. Update on best available options in obstetrics anaesthesia: perinatal outcomes, side effects and maternal satisfaction. Fifteen years systematic review. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2014;290:21–34.CrossRefPubMed
2.
go back to reference Loubert C, Hinova A, Fernando R. Update on modern neuraxial analgesia in labour: a review of the literatura of the past 5 years. Anaesthesia. 2011;66:191–212.CrossRefPubMed Loubert C, Hinova A, Fernando R. Update on modern neuraxial analgesia in labour: a review of the literatura of the past 5 years. Anaesthesia. 2011;66:191–212.CrossRefPubMed
3.
go back to reference Wong CA, Ratliff JT, Sullivan JT, Scavone BM, Toledo P, McCarthy RJ. A randomized comparison of programmed intermittent epidural bolus with continuous epidural infusion for labor analgesia. Anesth Analg. 2006;102:904–6.CrossRefPubMed Wong CA, Ratliff JT, Sullivan JT, Scavone BM, Toledo P, McCarthy RJ. A randomized comparison of programmed intermittent epidural bolus with continuous epidural infusion for labor analgesia. Anesth Analg. 2006;102:904–6.CrossRefPubMed
4.
go back to reference Sng BL, Sia AT, Lim Y, Woo D, Ocampo C. Comparison of computer-integrated patient-controlled epidural analgesia and patient-controlled epidural analgesia with a basal infusion for labour and delivery. Anaesth Intensive Care. 2009;37:46–53.CrossRefPubMed Sng BL, Sia AT, Lim Y, Woo D, Ocampo C. Comparison of computer-integrated patient-controlled epidural analgesia and patient-controlled epidural analgesia with a basal infusion for labour and delivery. Anaesth Intensive Care. 2009;37:46–53.CrossRefPubMed
5.
go back to reference Epsztein K, Barret NM, Arzola C, Downey K, Ye XY, Carvalho JC. Programmed intermittent epidural bolus for labor analgesia during first stage of labor: a biased-coin up-and-down sequential allocation trial to determine the optimum interval time between boluses of a fixed volume of 10 mL of Bupivacaine 0.0625% With Fentanyl 2 µg/mL. Anesth Analg. 2017;124(2):537–41.CrossRef Epsztein K, Barret NM, Arzola C, Downey K, Ye XY, Carvalho JC. Programmed intermittent epidural bolus for labor analgesia during first stage of labor: a biased-coin up-and-down sequential allocation trial to determine the optimum interval time between boluses of a fixed volume of 10 mL of Bupivacaine 0.0625% With Fentanyl 2 µg/mL. Anesth Analg. 2017;124(2):537–41.CrossRef
6.
go back to reference Leighton BL, Halpern SH. The effects of epidural analgesia on labor, maternal, and neonatal outcomes: a systematic review. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2002;186:S69–77. Leighton BL, Halpern SH. The effects of epidural analgesia on labor, maternal, and neonatal outcomes: a systematic review. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2002;186:S69–77.
7.
go back to reference George RB, Allen TK, Habib AS. Intermittent Epidural bolus compared with continuous epidural infusions for labor analgesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Anesth Analg. 2013;116(1):133–44.CrossRefPubMed George RB, Allen TK, Habib AS. Intermittent Epidural bolus compared with continuous epidural infusions for labor analgesia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Anesth Analg. 2013;116(1):133–44.CrossRefPubMed
8.
go back to reference Capogna G, Camorcia M, Stirparo S, Farcomeni A. Programmed intermittent epidural bolus versus continuous epidural infusion for labor analgesia: the effects on maternal motor function and labor outcome. A randomized double-blind study in nulliparous women. Anesth Analg 2011: 826–31. Capogna G, Camorcia M, Stirparo S, Farcomeni A. Programmed intermittent epidural bolus versus continuous epidural infusion for labor analgesia: the effects on maternal motor function and labor outcome. A randomized double-blind study in nulliparous women. Anesth Analg 2011: 826–31.
9.
go back to reference Chua SM, Sia AT. Automated Intermittent Epidural boluses to improve analgesia induced by intrathecal fentanyl during labor. Can J Anaesth. 2004;51:581–5.CrossRefPubMed Chua SM, Sia AT. Automated Intermittent Epidural boluses to improve analgesia induced by intrathecal fentanyl during labor. Can J Anaesth. 2004;51:581–5.CrossRefPubMed
10.
go back to reference Halpern SH, Carvalho B. Patient-controlled epidural analgesia for labor. Anesth Analg. 2009;108(3):921–8.CrossRefPubMed Halpern SH, Carvalho B. Patient-controlled epidural analgesia for labor. Anesth Analg. 2009;108(3):921–8.CrossRefPubMed
11.
go back to reference Heesen M, Böhmer J, Klöhr S, Hofmann T, Rossaint R, Straube S. The effect of adding a background infusion to patient-controlled epidural labor analgesia on labor, maternal, and neonatal outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Anesth Analg. 2015;121(1):149–5.CrossRefPubMed Heesen M, Böhmer J, Klöhr S, Hofmann T, Rossaint R, Straube S. The effect of adding a background infusion to patient-controlled epidural labor analgesia on labor, maternal, and neonatal outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Anesth Analg. 2015;121(1):149–5.CrossRefPubMed
12.
go back to reference Irestedt LL, Ekblom A, Olofsson C, Dahlström AC, Emanuelsson BM. Pharmacocinetic and clinical effect during continuous epidural infusion Ropivacaine 2.5 mg/ml, or bupivacaine 2.5 mg/ml for labour pain relief. Acta-Anest Scand. 1998;42(8):890–6.CrossRef Irestedt LL, Ekblom A, Olofsson C, Dahlström AC, Emanuelsson BM. Pharmacocinetic and clinical effect during continuous epidural infusion Ropivacaine 2.5 mg/ml, or bupivacaine 2.5 mg/ml for labour pain relief. Acta-Anest Scand. 1998;42(8):890–6.CrossRef
13.
go back to reference Fischer C, Blanié P, Jaouën E, Vayssière C, Kaloul I, Coltat JC. Ropivacaine. 0.1%, plus sufentanil, 0.5 microg/ml, versus bupivacaine, 0.1%, plus sufentanil, 0.5 microg/ml, using patient-controlled epidural analgesia for labor: a double-blind comparison. Anesthesiology. 2000;92(6):1588–93.CrossRefPubMed Fischer C, Blanié P, Jaouën E, Vayssière C, Kaloul I, Coltat JC. Ropivacaine. 0.1%, plus sufentanil, 0.5 microg/ml, versus bupivacaine, 0.1%, plus sufentanil, 0.5 microg/ml, using patient-controlled epidural analgesia for labor: a double-blind comparison. Anesthesiology. 2000;92(6):1588–93.CrossRefPubMed
14.
go back to reference Polley LS, Columb MO, Naughton NN, Wagner DS, van de Ven CJ. Relative analgesic potencies of ropivacaine and bupivacaine for epidural analgesia in labor: implications for therapeutic indexes. Anesthesiology. 1999;90(4):944–50.CrossRefPubMed Polley LS, Columb MO, Naughton NN, Wagner DS, van de Ven CJ. Relative analgesic potencies of ropivacaine and bupivacaine for epidural analgesia in labor: implications for therapeutic indexes. Anesthesiology. 1999;90(4):944–50.CrossRefPubMed
15.
go back to reference Comparative Obstetric Mobile Epidural Trial (COMET), Study Group UK. Effect of Low dose mobile versus traditional epidrual techniques on mode of delivery. A randomized controlled trial. Lancet. 2001;358:19–23.CrossRef Comparative Obstetric Mobile Epidural Trial (COMET), Study Group UK. Effect of Low dose mobile versus traditional epidrual techniques on mode of delivery. A randomized controlled trial. Lancet. 2001;358:19–23.CrossRef
16.
go back to reference Moher D, Schulz KF, Altman DG. The CONSORT statement: revised recommendations for improving the quality of reports of parallel-group randomized trials. Lancet. 2001;357:1191–4.CrossRefPubMed Moher D, Schulz KF, Altman DG. The CONSORT statement: revised recommendations for improving the quality of reports of parallel-group randomized trials. Lancet. 2001;357:1191–4.CrossRefPubMed
17.
go back to reference Patel RR, Peters TJ, Murphy DJ, ALSPAC Study Team. Prenatal risk factors for caesarean section. Analyses of ALSPAC cohort for 12.944 women in England. Int J Epidemiol. 2005;34(2):353–67.CrossRefPubMed Patel RR, Peters TJ, Murphy DJ, ALSPAC Study Team. Prenatal risk factors for caesarean section. Analyses of ALSPAC cohort for 12.944 women in England. Int J Epidemiol. 2005;34(2):353–67.CrossRefPubMed
18.
go back to reference Hjermstad MJ, Fayers PM, Haugen DF, Caraceni A, Hanks GW, Loge JH, European Palliative Care Research Collaborative (EPCRC) et al. Review Article Studies Comparing Numerical Rating Scales, Verbal Rating Scales, and Visual Analogue Scales for assessment of pain intensity in adults: a systematic literature review. J Pain Symptom Manag. 2011;41(6):1073–94.CrossRef Hjermstad MJ, Fayers PM, Haugen DF, Caraceni A, Hanks GW, Loge JH, European Palliative Care Research Collaborative (EPCRC) et al. Review Article Studies Comparing Numerical Rating Scales, Verbal Rating Scales, and Visual Analogue Scales for assessment of pain intensity in adults: a systematic literature review. J Pain Symptom Manag. 2011;41(6):1073–94.CrossRef
19.
go back to reference Halpern SH, Breen TW, Campbell DC, Muir HA, Kronberg J, Nunn R, Fick GH. A multicenter, randomizad, controlled trial comparing bupivacaine with ropivacaine for labor analgesia. Anesthesiology. 2003;98(6):1431–5.CrossRefPubMed Halpern SH, Breen TW, Campbell DC, Muir HA, Kronberg J, Nunn R, Fick GH. A multicenter, randomizad, controlled trial comparing bupivacaine with ropivacaine for labor analgesia. Anesthesiology. 2003;98(6):1431–5.CrossRefPubMed
20.
go back to reference Leo S, Ocampo CE, Lim Y, Sia AT. A randomized comparison of automated intermittent mandatory boluses with a basal infusion in combination with patient-controlled epidural analgesia for labor and delivery. Int J Obstet Anesth. 2010;19:357–64.CrossRefPubMed Leo S, Ocampo CE, Lim Y, Sia AT. A randomized comparison of automated intermittent mandatory boluses with a basal infusion in combination with patient-controlled epidural analgesia for labor and delivery. Int J Obstet Anesth. 2010;19:357–64.CrossRefPubMed
21.
go back to reference Lin Y, Li Q, Liu J. Comparison of continous epidural infusion and programmed intermittent epidural bolus in labor analgesia. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2016;12:1107–12.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Lin Y, Li Q, Liu J. Comparison of continous epidural infusion and programmed intermittent epidural bolus in labor analgesia. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2016;12:1107–12.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
22.
go back to reference Kimmich N, Juhasova J, Haslinger C, Ochsenbein-Kölble N, Zimmermann R. Impact factors on fetal descent rates in the active phase of labor: a retrospective cohort study. J Perinat Med. 2018;46(6):579–85.CrossRefPubMed Kimmich N, Juhasova J, Haslinger C, Ochsenbein-Kölble N, Zimmermann R. Impact factors on fetal descent rates in the active phase of labor: a retrospective cohort study. J Perinat Med. 2018;46(6):579–85.CrossRefPubMed
23.
go back to reference Proctor A, Marshall P. Does a policy of earlier induction affect labour outcomes in women induced for postmadurity? A retrospective analysis in a tertiary hospital in the North of England. Midwifery. 2017;50:246–52.CrossRefPubMed Proctor A, Marshall P. Does a policy of earlier induction affect labour outcomes in women induced for postmadurity? A retrospective analysis in a tertiary hospital in the North of England. Midwifery. 2017;50:246–52.CrossRefPubMed
24.
go back to reference Lim Y, Sia AT, Ocampo C. Automated regular boluses for epidural analgesia: a comparison with continuous infusion. Int J Obstet Anesth. 2005;14:305–9.CrossRefPubMed Lim Y, Sia AT, Ocampo C. Automated regular boluses for epidural analgesia: a comparison with continuous infusion. Int J Obstet Anesth. 2005;14:305–9.CrossRefPubMed
25.
go back to reference McKenzie CP, Cobb B, Riley ET. Carvalho B. Programmed intermittent epidural boluses for maintenance of labor analgesia: an impact study. Int J Obstet Anesth. 2016;26:32–8.CrossRefPubMed McKenzie CP, Cobb B, Riley ET. Carvalho B. Programmed intermittent epidural boluses for maintenance of labor analgesia: an impact study. Int J Obstet Anesth. 2016;26:32–8.CrossRefPubMed
26.
go back to reference Onuoha OC. Epidural analgesia for labor: continuous infusion versus programmed intermittent bolus. Anesthesiol Clin. 2017;35:1–14.CrossRefPubMed Onuoha OC. Epidural analgesia for labor: continuous infusion versus programmed intermittent bolus. Anesthesiol Clin. 2017;35:1–14.CrossRefPubMed
27.
go back to reference Bullingham A, Liang S, Edmonds E, Mathur S, Sharma S. Continuous epidural infusion vs programmed intermittent epidural bolus for labour analgesia: a prospective, controlled, before-and-after cohort study of labour outcomes. Br J Anaesth. 2018;121(2):432–7.CrossRefPubMed Bullingham A, Liang S, Edmonds E, Mathur S, Sharma S. Continuous epidural infusion vs programmed intermittent epidural bolus for labour analgesia: a prospective, controlled, before-and-after cohort study of labour outcomes. Br J Anaesth. 2018;121(2):432–7.CrossRefPubMed
28.
go back to reference Nunes J, Nunes S, Veiga M, Cortez M, Seifert I. A prospective, randomized, blinded-endpoint, controlled study—continuous epidural infusion versus programmed intermittent epidural bolus in labor analgesia. Braz J Anesthesiol. 2016;66(5):439–44.CrossRefPubMed Nunes J, Nunes S, Veiga M, Cortez M, Seifert I. A prospective, randomized, blinded-endpoint, controlled study—continuous epidural infusion versus programmed intermittent epidural bolus in labor analgesia. Braz J Anesthesiol. 2016;66(5):439–44.CrossRefPubMed
29.
go back to reference Leone Roberti Maggiore U, Silanos R, Carlevaro S, Gratarola A, Venturini PL, Ferrero S, Pelosi P. Programmed intermittent epidural bolus versus continuous epidural infusion for pain relief during termination of pregnancy: a prospective, double-blind, randomized trial. Int J Obstet Anesth. 2016;25:37–44.CrossRefPubMed Leone Roberti Maggiore U, Silanos R, Carlevaro S, Gratarola A, Venturini PL, Ferrero S, Pelosi P. Programmed intermittent epidural bolus versus continuous epidural infusion for pain relief during termination of pregnancy: a prospective, double-blind, randomized trial. Int J Obstet Anesth. 2016;25:37–44.CrossRefPubMed
30.
go back to reference Delgado C, Ciliberto C, Bollag L, Sedensky M, Landau R. Continuous epidural infusion versus programmed intermittent epidural bolus for labor analgesia: optimal configuration of parameters to reduce physician-administered top-ups. Curr Med Res Opin. 2018;34(4):649–56.CrossRefPubMed Delgado C, Ciliberto C, Bollag L, Sedensky M, Landau R. Continuous epidural infusion versus programmed intermittent epidural bolus for labor analgesia: optimal configuration of parameters to reduce physician-administered top-ups. Curr Med Res Opin. 2018;34(4):649–56.CrossRefPubMed
31.
go back to reference Sng BL, Sia ATH. Maintenance of epidural labour analgesia: the old, the new and the future. Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol. 2017;31:15–22.CrossRefPubMed Sng BL, Sia ATH. Maintenance of epidural labour analgesia: the old, the new and the future. Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol. 2017;31:15–22.CrossRefPubMed
32.
go back to reference Missant C, Teunkens A, Vandermeersch E, Van de Velde M. Patient-controlled epidural analgesia following combined spinal-epidural analgesia in labour: the effects of adding a continuous epidural infusion. Anaesth Intensive Care. 2005;33:452–6.CrossRefPubMed Missant C, Teunkens A, Vandermeersch E, Van de Velde M. Patient-controlled epidural analgesia following combined spinal-epidural analgesia in labour: the effects of adding a continuous epidural infusion. Anaesth Intensive Care. 2005;33:452–6.CrossRefPubMed
33.
go back to reference Brogly N, Schiraldi R, Vazquez B, Perez J, Guasch E, Gilsanz F. A randomized control trial of patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) with and without a background infusion using levobupivacaine and fentanyl. Minerva Anestesiol. 2011;77:1149–54.PubMed Brogly N, Schiraldi R, Vazquez B, Perez J, Guasch E, Gilsanz F. A randomized control trial of patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) with and without a background infusion using levobupivacaine and fentanyl. Minerva Anestesiol. 2011;77:1149–54.PubMed
34.
go back to reference Sia AT, Lim Y, Ocampo C. A comparison of a basal infusion with automated mandatory boluses in parturient-controlled epidural analgesia during labor. Anesth Analg. 2007;104:673–8.CrossRefPubMed Sia AT, Lim Y, Ocampo C. A comparison of a basal infusion with automated mandatory boluses in parturient-controlled epidural analgesia during labor. Anesth Analg. 2007;104:673–8.CrossRefPubMed
35.
go back to reference Norman G. Likert Scales, levels of measurement and the “laws” of stadistics. Adv Health Sci Edcu Theory Pract. 2010;15(5): 625–32.CrossRef Norman G. Likert Scales, levels of measurement and the “laws” of stadistics. Adv Health Sci Edcu Theory Pract. 2010;15(5): 625–32.CrossRef
36.
go back to reference Sharma SK, McIntire DD, Wiley J, Leveno KJ. Labour analgesia and cesarean delivery: an individual patient meta-analysis of nulliparous women. Anesthesiology. 2014;100(1):142.8. Sharma SK, McIntire DD, Wiley J, Leveno KJ. Labour analgesia and cesarean delivery: an individual patient meta-analysis of nulliparous women. Anesthesiology. 2014;100(1):142.8.
Metadata
Title
Patient intermittent epidural boluses (PIEB) plus very low continuous epidural infusion (CEI) versus patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) plus continuous epidural infusion (CEI) in primiparous labour: a randomized trial
Publication date
01-10-2019
Published in
Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing / Issue 5/2019
Print ISSN: 1387-1307
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2614
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10877-018-0229-x

Other articles of this Issue 5/2019

Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing 5/2019 Go to the issue