Parturient‐controlled epidural analgesia during labour: bupivacaine vs. ropivacaine

In this randomised, controlled study, we compared the hourly dose requirement of ropivacaine 0.125% (group R, n = 16) with bupivacaine 0.125% (group B, n = 16) provided by demand‐only (bolus 5 ml, lockout 10 min) parturient‐controlled epidural analgesia during labour. The hourly dose requirement was comparable although group R had a lower successful to total demands ratio (p < 0.05). We also found that both groups were clinically indistinguishable in terms of pain relief and side‐effects. No difference in maternal or fetal outcome was detected. We conclude that, at a concentration of 0.125%, ropivacaine and bupivacaine were equally effective when self‐administered using this patient‐controlled regimen.