Comparing two epidural techniques for labor pain relief

Dural Puncture Epidural Vs Standard Epidural Technique in Parturient Receiving Continuous Labour Epidural Infusion: a Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · Aga Khan University · NCT06653036

This study tests which of two epidural techniques provides better pain relief for women in labor.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment38 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorAga Khan University (other)
Locations1 site (Karachi, Sindh)
Trial IDNCT06653036 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of two different epidural techniques—Dural puncture epidural and Standard epidural technique—in providing continuous labor analgesia for women in labor. It aims to assess the quality of pain relief, the frequency of catheter adjustments, the need for catheter replacements, and the incidence of failed regional anesthesia that may require conversion to general anesthesia. The study focuses on parturient women who are experiencing established labor and have a pain score of 3 or higher.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are nulliparous or multiparous women aged over 18 years, with a singleton vertex presentation and gestational age between 37 to 42 weeks, who are in established labor with a pain score of 3 or higher.

Not a fit: Patients with major cardiac disease, chronic pain, or those on anticoagulants will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve labor pain management and enhance the overall childbirth experience for women.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies comparing different epidural techniques have shown varying degrees of success, indicating that this approach is relevant but may still yield novel insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Nulliparous / Multiparous women
* Age \>18 years
* ASA 1 \& 2
* Singleton vertex presentation
* Gestational age 37-42 weeks
* Parturient with established labor and pain score ≥ 3

Exclusion Criteria:

* Major cardiac disease
* History of chronic pain
* Chronic opioid user
* Platelet count \< 70 x 109/L
* spinal cord anomalies
* Use of anticoagulants
* Allergic to local anesthetics
* Patients with preeclampsia/ eclampsia
* Known fetal anomalies

Where this trial is running

Karachi, Sindh

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Quality Health Care, Quality Labor Analgesia, Maternal Adverse Events

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.