Why the study?
Does continuous epidural infusion of bupivacaine using a mechanical pump maintain safe plasma levels in patients in uncomplicated labour?
Does continuous epidural infusion of bupivacaine using a mechanical pump maintain safe plasma levels in patients in uncomplicated labour?
Continuous epidural infusion of bupivacaine using a mechanical pump is feasible and maintains safe plasma levels in mothers and babies during uncomplicated labour.
Supports mechanical pump epidurals in labour; hypothesis-generating case report leaves broader safety unproven.
Eleven patients in uncomplicated labour received a continuous infusion of 0-125 or 0-25% bupivacaine solutions into the epidural space, using a simple rotary pump. Maternal and umbilical cord venous plasma bupivacaine levels were measured and were found to be within safe limits for mother and baby. Incidence of complications were noted.
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Danielle Glover (1977) studied this question.
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