Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Systematic review shows intrathecal opioids increase fetal bradycardia and maternal pruritus during labour, indicating no elevated risk of caesarean delivery.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate fetal and maternal adverse effects of intrathecal opioid analgesia during labour. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search was performed, in Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, bibliographies, and personal contact with authors, in any language, up to February 2001. STUDY: selection Full reports on randomised comparisons of any analgesia with intrathecal opioid (experimental group) with any non-intrathecal opioid regimen (control group) during labour. DATA EXTRACTION: Dichotomous data from 24 trials (3513 women). RESULTS: With intrathecal opioids, there was a significant increase in the risk of fetal bradycardia: odds ratio 1.8 (95% confidence interval 1.0 to 3.1), number-needed-to-harm 28. The risk of caesarean section due to fetal heart rate abnormalities was similar (6.0% versus 7.8%). The incidence of pruritus was significantly higher with intrathecal opioids: relative risk 29.6 (95% CI 13.6 to 64.6), number-needed-to-harm 1.7. CONCLUSIONS: Intrathecal opioids for labour increase the risk of fetal bradycardia and maternal pruritus. The risk of subsequent caesarean section is not increased.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Mardirosoff et al. (2002) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: