Related Experiment Videos
Epidural fentanyl for shaking in obstetrics
1Department of Anaesthetics, Birmingham Maternity Hospital, Edgbaston.
Anaesthesia
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Epidural fentanyl effectively relieves distressing shaking during labor analgesia. This study found fentanyl significantly reduced shaking compared to a saline placebo, offering a recommended treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Obstetrics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Shaking is a common and distressing side effect of epidural analgesia during labor.
- Existing treatments for this side effect are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of epidural fentanyl in alleviating shaking associated with epidural analgesia.
- To compare fentanyl's efficacy against a placebo for treating labor-induced shaking.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 50 mothers experiencing significant shaking.
- Participants received either 25 micrograms of fentanyl in sterile saline or a saline placebo via their epidural catheter.
- The primary outcome was the cessation of shaking within 15 minutes.
Main Results:
- Shaking resolved within 15 minutes in 72% of the fentanyl group (18/25).
- In contrast, only 16% of the saline group (4/25) experienced cessation of shaking.
- The difference in efficacy between fentanyl and saline was statistically significant (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Epidural fentanyl is a safe and effective treatment for distressing shaking during labor analgesia.
- Fentanyl offers a significant improvement over placebo for managing this common side effect.
- This study supports the recommendation of epidural fentanyl for managing shaking in obstetric patients.