Tramadol is a centrally acting synthetic analgesic used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. It has been previously evaluated as a method to reduce pain during labour, but there is always some fear related to its effects (neonatal respiratory depression). The purpose of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of subcutaneous tramadol in regards to pain during labour, duration of labour and neonatal outcomes.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
100
Saint Thomas Maternity Hospital
Panama City, Panama
Pain during labour
Pain during labour was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale during the first six hours after the application of the drug (tramadol or placebo).
Time frame: 6 hours
Duration of labour
The duration of labour in minutes (all patients were admitted with 4-5 cms of dilation), comparing both groups.
Time frame: 12 hours
Neonatal outcomes
Apgar score at minute one and five and umbilical cord pH were evaluated and compared between both groups.
Time frame: 48 hours
Side effects
Maternal respiratory depression, headaches, nausea and dizziness were evaluated in both groups.
Time frame: 48 hours
Requirements of oxytocin
Maximum dose of oxytocin (mU/min) required to have regular uterine contractions.
Time frame: 12 hours
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