Prophylactic Ephedrine and Combined Spinal Epidurals for Labor
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2013-10-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The combined spinal epidural (CSE) technique has become increasingly popular for labor pain
because of its rapid onset and superior first stage analgesia. However, increased risk for
early profound fetal bradycardia (EPFB) following CSE continues to be a concern. Various
factors are implicated in the etiology of EPFB but the cause is unknown. Ephedrine
administration prior to CSE analgesia may help reduce the risk of EPFB, but to date, nobody
has studied the impact of a single dose of intravenous (IV) ephedrine given at the time of
CSE administration during labor. The purpose of this study is to measure the incidence of
EPFB after combined spinal epidural analgesia using standard definitions. The incidence of
EPFB will be compared between patients who receive prophylactic ephedrine or placebo at the
time of CSE placement.