Impact of Epidural Catheter Depth on Labor Pain Relief

Observations on the Effect of Different Depths of Epidural Catheter Retention on the DPE Technique Combined With the PIEB Mode of Labor Analgesia：a Single-center, Prospective, Randomized Controlled Study

This study is testing how deep epidural catheters should be placed during labor to see if it can provide better pain relief and reduce complications for moms.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 102 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 45 Years
• Sex: Female
• Sponsor: General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Yinchuan, Ningxia)
• Trial ID: NCT06602440 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to determine the optimal depth for indwelling epidural catheters during labor analgesia using a combined dural puncture epidural (DPE) and programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) approach. By observing different catheter lengths (3, 5, and 7 centimeters), the study seeks to shorten the onset time of analgesia and minimize catheter-related complications. The methodology involves monitoring pain relief effectiveness and any adverse reactions associated with the different catheter depths. The findings could enhance labor pain management techniques.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy pregnant women aged 18 to 45, at 37 to 42 weeks of pregnancy, with cervical dilation less than 3 cm and a desire for epidural analgesia.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to intraspinal anesthesia or those with pregnancy-related complications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved labor pain management and reduced complications for pregnant women.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown the effectiveness of DPE techniques, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Those aged 18 to 45 years old;
2. Pregnancy lasts for 37 to 42 weeks;
3. Single healthy pregnant women with cervical dilation \< 3.0 cm who wish to use epidural labor analgesia;
4. The NRS score of uterine contraction pain is \> 3;
5. ASA grade I-II;
6. BMI ≤ 40 kg/m².

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Those with contraindications to intraspinal anesthesia;
2. Those with a history of allergy to local anesthetics and opioids;
3. Pregnancy diseases (such as pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, etc.);
4. Known fetal abnormalities or situations associated with an increased risk of cesarean section;
5. Patients who have taken opioids or sedatives within 4 hours before epidural analgesia.

Where this trial is running

Yinchuan, Ningxia

• General hospital of Ningxia medical university — Yinchuan, Ningxia, China (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: xinli Ni, MD

Conditions: Labor Analgesia, Uterine contraction pain, Dural puncture epidural technique（DPE）, Programmed intermittent epidural bolus（PIEB）