Study of efficacy, safety and cardiotocographic changes during epidural analgesia with ropivacaine in labour

Abstract

Background: Epidural analgesia during labour provides effective pain relief along with better maternal and neonatal outcome. Our aim of the study is to check safety and efficacy of Ropivacaine during labour analgesia. We have also compared cardiotocographic changes in labour with versus without epidural analgesia.
Material and Methods: 60 Antenatal cases in between 37-41 weeks of pregnancy in active labour were selected for study. They were randomly divided into 2 groups: Study Group (Group-1): Patients who received epidural ropivacaine for pain relief. Control Group (Group-2): No analgesia was given for pain relief. Epidural catheter was inserted in study group. They were observed for degree of pain relief, requirement of analgesia, intrapartum cardiotocographic changes and maternal tolerability and safety in terms of side effects. They were also asked for their satisfaction towards epidural analgesia.
Observation and Results: We have observed better intrapartum cardiotocographic findings with epidural analgesia. Degree of pain relief was also significantly better with epidural group. Requirement of Top-up doses and duration of rescue analgesia was better with epidural. No significant maternal or fetal side effects were noted with epidural. Patient satisfaction was definitely better with Epidural analgesia.
Conclusion: Ropivacaine in epidural is safe and effective and efficacious with better cardiotocographic findings.