[Continuous peridural anesthesia--results of fractionated application in comparison to catheter infusion]

This report presents 100 epidural analgesias using a catheter in a high risk group. Two groups are compared, one with intermittent manual injections, the other with constant infusion rate (CIR) by means of a syringe with bupivacaine solution 0,5% and a pump. The analgetic effect was stable, without fluctuations and was adequate during the first and the second stage of labour in the group with CIR. The CIR avoids plasma peaks with transient hypoxemia of the fetus. The high blood pressure in patients with severe pregnancy induced hypertension is more decreased with this technique. In comparison to deliveries without epidural analgesia the instrumental delivery rate was higher, the fetal outcome was equal. Severe complications are not seen. The indicated use of the epidural analgesia with CIR is recommended.