Related Experiment Videos
The association between foot temperature and asymmetrical epidural blockade
1The Department of Anaesthetics, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.
International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Sensory block asymmetry after epidural bupivacaine in labor correlates with foot temperature differences. This temperature disparity is noticeable by touch, aiding clinical assessment.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Obstetrics
- Pain Management
Background:
- Epidural analgesia is common in labor.
- Sensory block characteristics can vary between sides.
- Foot temperature changes may indicate uneven block distribution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between sensory block asymmetry and foot temperature differences after epidural bupivacaine.
- To determine if this temperature difference is clinically detectable.
Main Methods:
- Sixty laboring women received epidural bupivacaine.
- Foot temperatures were measured using thermistors.
- Sensory block levels were assessed bilaterally.
- Clinical staff assessed foot temperature asymmetry.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation was found between sensory block asymmetry and foot temperature difference.
- Correlation coefficients ranged from 0.4 to 0.6 over 30 minutes.
- Most clinical staff could detect a foot temperature difference greater than 1°C.
Conclusions:
- Sensory block asymmetry following epidural bupivacaine is clearly associated with unequal foot temperatures.
- This temperature difference is a detectable clinical sign of uneven epidural block distribution.