Comparing two methods of epidural pain relief during labor
Official title: Dexmedetomidine for Programed Intermittent Epidural Boluses Versus Continuous Epidural Infusion for Labour Epidural Analgesia: A Randomized Controlled Double-blind Trial
Run by Assiut University · NCT05781854 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing two different ways to provide pain relief during labor to see which one helps moms feel more comfortable and manage pain better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase2; Phase3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Assiut University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Assiut) |
| Trial ID | NCT05781854 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are women aged 18 to 45 years, scheduled for a normal vaginal delivery with a singleton, non-complicated pregnancy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of cardiac, liver, or kidney diseases, or those with contraindications to regional anesthesia may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to compare programmed intermittent epidural boluses (PIEB) with continuous epidural infusion (CEI) for labor pain management, using dexmedetomidine alongside low-dose bupivacaine. The research will measure the total volume of local anesthetic administered through patient-controlled epidural analgesia per hour. By evaluating the effectiveness and safety of these two approaches, the study seeks to enhance the quality of labor analgesia for women. The focus is on improving maternal comfort and reducing the stress response associated with labor pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective and safer method of pain relief during labor for women.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with similar approaches to labor analgesia, indicating potential for success in this trial.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 - 45 years * Scheduled for normal vaginal delivery * ASA physical status ӀI-IӀӀ. * Singleton non-complicated pregnancy. * At least 36 weak of gestation. * Vertex presentation. Exclusion Criteria: * Patient refusal to epidural analgesia. * History of cardiac, liver, or kidney diseases. * History of allergy to amide local anesthetics or study medications. * Any neurological problem. * History of chronic opioid analgesic use. * Any contraindication of regional anesthesia. * Evidence of intrauterine growth restriction or fetal compromise. * Failed or unsatisfactory analgesic block. * Body mass index ≥40 kg/m2
Where it's running
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Assiut university hospital
Assiut, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hassan Khaled Ahmed Gomaa, Resident
- Email: hassssan.khaled2013@gmail.com
- Phone: 01067319365
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Dural Puncture Epidural (DPE) Technique in Labor Analgesia
This observational study at Ohio State tests whether the DPE method can reliably reveal CSF and improve epidural placement during labor without injecting medication.
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Midwife-guided Birth Affirmation Cards for Primigravidas
This study tests whether midwife-guided birth affirmation cards can shorten labor, reduce pain, and improve feelings of control and support for first-time mothers.
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Tramadol versus paracetamol versus placebo for pain relief and labor length in first-time mothers
This trial will try IV tramadol, IV paracetamol, or saline to see which gives better pain relief and changes active labor length for first-time mothers in active labor.
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Left-side versus lying on your back to shorten the active phase of labor
This trial tests whether staying on your left side instead of lying on your back shortens the active phase of labor for first-time mothers at term.
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TENS for pain relief during active labor
This trial will try using a TENS device versus a sham to see if it lowers pain for first-time moms during the active phase of labor.
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PIEB versus CEI for epidural labor pain relief
This trial will test whether programmed intermittent epidural boluses (PIEB) or a continuous epidural infusion (CEI), each combined with patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA), works better for pain relief during labor in women having vaginal delivery.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.