Using ultrasound to predict difficult epidural placement during labor
Prospective Observational Study: Ultrasound Predictors of Difficulty in Performing Epidural Anesthesia for Labor in Pregnant Patients.
This tests whether a quick ultrasound of the lower back can help predict when placing an epidural will be difficult for women in labor.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 563 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Padova Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Padua) |
| Trial ID | NCT07056166 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center, prospective observational study at the University Hospital of Padua enrolls pregnant women who request epidural analgesia during labor. Participants receive a brief lumbar ultrasound before the epidural procedure, and clinicians record demographic, anatomical, ultrasound measurement, and procedural data. Investigators will compare ultrasound findings with how easy or difficult the epidural placement was. No experimental treatments are given and all care follows standard clinical practice.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Pregnant women aged 18 years or older who request an epidural for labor analgesia at the enrolling hospital and provide consent are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are not planning an epidural, are under 18, or give birth at a different hospital would not benefit from participation in this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help clinicians anticipate difficult epidural placements so they can prepare appropriate equipment or expertise and reduce procedure time and complications.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown that lumbar ultrasound can improve landmark identification and reduce technical failures, so this work builds on encouraging existing evidence rather than being entirely novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
-Inclusion Criteria: Pregnant women aged ≥18 years Candidates for epidural catheter placement for labor analgesia Provided written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * None
Where this trial is running
Padua
- University Hospital of Padua — Padua, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Alessandro De Cassai, Medical Doctor
- Email: alessandro.decassai@aopd.veneto.it
- Phone: +390498213090
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.