The aim of this observational study is to assess the effect of early labour analgesia on obstetric and neonatal outcomes in induced labour in primiparous women with a full-term pregnancy whose labour was induced with a Cook balloon or prostaglandins. It aims to answer whether early labour analgesia (\< 4 centimetres of cervical dilation) prolongs the duration of labour. Secondary outcomes will be Incidence of caesarean section, use of oxytocin, onset of fetal heart rate abnormalities within 30 minutes of augmentation, incidence of episiotomy, amount of blood loss, need for epidural catheter repositioning due to inadequate analgesia, onset of breakthrough pain defined as need for "rescue" top-ups within 60 minutes of previous top-ups, Apgar score (at 1 and 5 minutes), neonatal umbilical pH and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Patients who received early partoanalgesia were compared for the proposed outcomes with patients who received partoanalgesia in active labour (cervical dilation \> 4 centimetres).
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
400
Patients were divided into two groups according to repertorised cervical dilatation at the start of analgesia: Group A \< 4 centimetres (latent stage according to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines) and Group B between 4 and 6 centimetres.
Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, SC AR3 - Anestesia e Terapia Intensiva Postchirurgica
Pavia, Pavia, Italy
Duration of labour
The primary objective is to compare the duration of the first stage of labour (measured in minutes) between women who received early neuraxial analgesia in the latent phase of the first stage and those who received it in the active stage. First stage duration is the time elapsed from the onset of labour, as diagnosed by an experienced obstetrician, until 10 centimetres of cervical dilation is reached. The co-primary objective is to compare the duration of the second stage (measured in minutes) between the two populations. Second stage duration is the time from 10 centimetres of cervical dilation to birth. Data on these outcomes are recorded by the obstetric team in the patient's chart during labour.
Time frame: Perioperative/Periprocedural. The investigator traces the information examining the medical chart in a time frame from one day after birth until 6 month from study termination.
Incidence of operative deliveries
The incidence of operative deliveries by obstetrical suction cup for lack of progression of the presented part or presence of fetal heartbeat abnormalities was assessed. Data relating to the mode of delivery and events are recorded in the patient's medical chart by the obstetric team during labour.
Time frame: Perioperative/Periprocedural. The investigator traces the information examining the medical chart in a time frame from one day after birth until 6 month from study termination.
Incidence of Episiotomy
The incidence of episitomy due to lack of progression of the presented part or presence of fetal heartbeat abnormalities was assessed. Data on this outcome is recorded in the patient's medical chart by the obstetric team during labour.
Time frame: Perioperative/Periprocedural. The investigator traces the information examining the medical chart in a time frame from one day after birth until 6 month from study termination.
Incidence of caesarean section during labour
The incidence of caesarean section in labour was assessed. The causes of caesarean section considered were: first stage prolongation, second stage prolongation, fetal heartbeat abnormalities.Data on this outcome is recorded by the obstetric team in the patient's chart during labour.
Time frame: Perioperative/Periprocedural. The investigator traces the information examining the medical chart in a time frame from one day after birth until 6 month from study termination.
Incidence of Obstetric lacerations
The incidence of grade I, II, III obstetric lacerations was evaluated. Data on this outcome is recorded by the obstetric team in the patient's chart during labour.
Time frame: Perioperative/Periprocedural. The investigator traces the information examining the medical chart in a time frame from one day after birth until 6 month from study termination.
Oxytocin consumption
The amount of oxytocin used during labour was assessed. Data on this outcome is recorded by the obstetric team in the patient's chart during labour. The amount was measured in units per minute.
Time frame: Perioperative/Periprocedural. The investigator traces the information examining the medical chart in a time frame from one day after birth until 6 month from study termination.
Peridural catheter repositioning
The incidence of epidural catheter repositioning for inadequate analgesia was measured. Analgesia was defined as inadequate if the Visual Analogue Scale \> 4 30 minutes after analgesia was administered. During labour analgesia, this event was recorded by the anaesthetist on duty in the anaesthesia chart.
Time frame: Perioperative/Periprocedural. The investigator traces the information examining the medical chart in a time frame from one day after birth until 6 month from study termination.
Fetal heart rate abnormalities
Fetal heart rate abnormalities occurring within 30 minutes of local anaesthetic or neuroaxial opioid administration have been recorded. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists classification was used for the identification of trace abnormalities. Abnormal foetal heart rate are recorded as they occur by the obstetrician in patient's medical chart.
Time frame: Perioperative/Periprocedural. The investigator traces the information examining the medical chart in a time frame from one day after birth until 6 month from study termination.
Apgar score
The Apgar score is assessed by a paediatrician using a scale from 0 to 10 at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth. The information is then recorded in the baby's and mother's medical records.
Time frame: Perioperative/Periprocedural.The investigator traces the information examining the medical chart in a time frame from one day after birth until 6 month from study termination.
pH Neonatal umbilical cord
The arterial pH of the umbilical cord is assessed.After delivery the obstetrician takes a sample of umbilical arterial blood to measure pH. The information is then recorded on baby's and mother's medical chart.
Time frame: Perioperative/Periprocedural. The investigator traces the information examining the medical chart in a time frame from one day after birth until 6 month from study termination.
Admission to neonatal intensive care unit
This outcome is assessed from the moment of birth until 2 hours after delivery. The event is recorded in the mother's medical record.
Time frame: Perioperative/Periprocedural.The investigator traces the information examining the medical chart in a time frame from one day after birth until 6 month from study termination.
Administering a 'rescue' epidural analgesia
The need for a 'rescue' epidural was assessed. The time of administration of each epidural top up was recorded both on patient medical chart and on anaesthesia medical chart. When, after initial benefit, the patient experienced a recurrence of pain (Visual analogue Score greater than four) and needed an additional top up within 60 minutes from previous epidural bolus, the event was registered.
Time frame: Perioperative/Periprocedural.The investigator traces the information examining the medical chart in a time frame from one day after birth until 6 month from study termination.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.