Key result
Obstetric epidural analgesia in 1,000 consecutive women was associated with common complications, including a 1.7% dural puncture rate and blood vessel puncture in 4.5%, but no serious sequelae.
Why the study?
What are the maternal complications associated with obstetric epidural analgesia in women in labour?
Observational (n=1,000)
What are the maternal complications associated with obstetric epidural analgesia in women in labour?
Obstetric epidural analgesia provides satisfactory pain relief but is associated with common minor complications, highlighting the need for an experienced anaesthetist on the labour ward.
Common minor complications with obstetric epidurals warrant experienced providers; leaves open generalizability and need for prospective confirmation.
The maternal complications associated with 1,000 consecutive obstetric epidurals are described. Although the analgesia provided was very satisfactory, complications were common. A dural puncture rate of 1-7 per cent resulted in 13 patients suffering from "spinal headache". Blood vessel puncture occurred in 45 patients, while the presence of unblocked segments and unilateral block was troublesome. There were no serious sequelae, but it is suggested that the provision of an epidural service for women in labour requires the immediate availability of an experienced anaesthetist to attend the labour ward.
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Holdcroft et al. (1976) conducted an observational in Labour (n=1,000). Obstetric epidural analgesia was evaluated on Maternal complications. Obstetric epidural analgesia in 1,000 consecutive women was associated with common complications, including a 1.7% dural puncture rate and blood vessel puncture in 4.5%, but no serious sequelae.
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