When epidural pain relief doesn't work during labor
Official title: Analysis of the Incidence and Risk Factors of Epidural Analgesia Failure During Labor: A Prospective Multicenter Observational Study
Run by Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon · NCT07473609 · Data updated 2026-11-12
It will follow people aged 18 and older who request epidural pain relief during labor to see how often the epidural doesn't provide adequate pain control and which factors predict failure.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 500 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Madrid and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 12, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | February 12, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07473609 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (18 years and older) in labor who request epidural analgesia and agree to participate at one of the participating hospitals.
✕Probably not a fit
People under 18, those with stillbirth, those receiving continuous spinal anesthesia, and anyone who declines to participate are not eligible and would not directly 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 is a prospective multicenter observational study taking place at two Madrid university hospitals with recruitment from January 12, 2026 to February 12, 2027. Adults who request epidural analgesia in labor and consent to participation are enrolled, while patients under 18, those with stillbirth, those receiving continuous spinal anesthesia, or those who refuse are excluded. The primary aim is to calculate the incidence of epidural analgesia failure during labor; secondary aims include identifying potential risk factors for failure, documenting failure rates for emergency cesarean anesthesia, and measuring maternal postpartum recovery at 24 and 48 hours using the Spanish ObsQoR-10. No interventions are assigned because the study observes routine clinical care and outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help clinicians identify patients at higher risk of failed epidural and improve pain-management decisions during labor.
How similar studies have gone: Previous observational studies have reported variable rates of epidural analgesia failure and have identified some risk factors, so this study builds on existing clinical evidence rather than testing a new treatment.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Parturient who requests epidural analgesia for labor Exclusion Criteria: * Age under 18 years * Stillbirth * Continuous spinal anesthesia * Refusal to participate
Where it's running
-
Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón
Madrid, Spain Recruiting -
Hospital Universitario La Paz
Madrid, Spain Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nicolas Brogly, MD, PhD
- Email: nicolas.brogly@salud.madrid.org
- Phone: +34 663676820
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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.