To test the efficacy of different recipes of epidural infusions used for providing pain relief during labor in parturients.
In this prospective trial, the investigators would like to examine the efficacy of several different PCEA protocols in 250 parturients who receive CSE for labor pain. Any patient with failed epidural, delivery within 2 hours of epidural insertion, or Cesarean section will be excluded from the study. Each patient will be assigned to one of five groups (A - E), depending on the day of admission for delivery, excluding Friday and Saturday (observed religious holidays). Each group will have 50 patients.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
145
Pain scores
From each patient investigators will collect pain scores to assess the severity of labor pain, using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scale, 1-10. VAS score of 1 is considered minimal pain and VAS score of 10 is considered as the maximum pain.
Time frame: 24 to 48 hours.
Number of boluses
From each patient the investigators will obtain information on total number of boluses of the epidural medication used
Time frame: 24 to 48 hours
Amount of medication used
From each patient the investigators will obtain information regarding the total amount of medications used in mls from reviewing the history on the PCEA pump.
Time frame: 24 to 48 hours
Motor block
For each patient, the investigators will obtain information regarding degree of motor block using the Modified Bromage scale. Modified Bromage score: 1. Complete block (unable to move feet or knees) 2. Almost complete block (able to move feet only) 3. Partial block (just able to move knees) 4. Detectable weakness of hip flexion while supine (full flexion of knees) 5. No detectable weakness of hip flexion while supine 6. Able to perform partial knee bend
Time frame: 24 to 48 hours.
Height of the patient
From each patient the investigators will obtain information on height in inches.
Time frame: At recruitment of the patient in to the study
Weight of the patient
From each patient the investigators will obtain information on weight in pounds
Time frame: At recruitment of the patient in to the study
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Overall patient satisfaction
From each patient investigators will collect satisfaction scores to assess degree of satisfaction, using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scale, 1-10. VAS score of 1 is considered minimal satisfaction and VAS score of 10 is considered as the maximum satisfaction.
Time frame: 24 to 48 hours
Mode of delivery
From each patient the investigators will obtain information regarding mode of delivery- vaginal delivery or C-Section
Time frame: 24 to 48 hours