Key result
Inhaled Entonox during labor was associated with a 40% incidence of significant hypoxia compared to 30% with epidural analgesia, with greater mean duration and severity of hypoxic episodes.
Why the study?
Does Entonox compared to epidural analgesia affect arterial oxygen saturation in women in the first stage of labour?
Population
40 mothers in the first stage of labour
Comparison
Entonox inhalation for pain relief vs Epidural analgesia
Design
Cohort
Follow-up
During the first stage of labour
Authors
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May warrant caution with Entonox in labor; leaves open whether RCTs confirm greater hypoxia versus epidural.
Observational (n=40)
Does Entonox compared to epidural analgesia affect arterial oxygen saturation in women in the first stage of labour?
Absolute Event Rate: 40% vs 30%
Women in labour using Entonox experience more severe and longer episodes of arterial desaturation compared to those receiving epidural analgesia.
Arfeen et al. (1994) conducted an observational in Labor (n=40). Entonox vs. Epidural analgesia was evaluated on At least one episode of significant hypoxia (saturation < 90%). Inhaled Entonox during labor was associated with a 40% incidence of significant hypoxia compared to 30% with epidural analgesia, with greater mean duration and severity of hypoxic episodes.
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