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Dexmedetomidine-Ropivacine Versus Sufentanil-Ropivacaine for Epidural Labor Analgesia

Phase 4
Completed
Conditions
Pregnancy Related
Interventions
Registration Number
NCT05698407
Lead Sponsor
Peking University First Hospital
Brief Summary

Sufentanil-ropivacaine combination is commonly used for epidural labor anesthesia, but is associated with some adverse events. Dexmedetomidine is a high selective alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist. Mounting evidences show that dexmedetomidine-ropivacaine combination can also be used effectively for epidural labor analgesia. This pilot trial is designed to compare the effect of dexmedetomidine-ropivacaine combination versus sufentanil-ropivacaine combination on neonatal outcomes when used for epidural labor analgesia, and to test the feasibility of a future large randomized trial.

Detailed Description

Sufentanil combined with ropivacaine is commonly used for epidural labor anesthesia. However, this combination is associated with some adverse events including increased risk of neonatal depression. Dexmedetomidine is a high selective alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist and possesses opioid-sparing and analgesic effects when used in combination with local anesthetics. Recently published data suggest that dexmedetomidine-ropivacaine combination can effectively relieve labor pain.

We suppose that, when compared with traditional sufentanil-ropivacaine combination, the dexmedetomidine-ropivacaine combination used for epidural labor analgesia may reduce sufentanil-related adverse neonatal outcomes. The purpose of this pilot trial is to compare the effect of dexmedetomidine-ropivacaine combination versus sufentanil-ropivacaine combination used for epidural labor analgesia on neonatal outcomes, and also to test the feasibility of a future large randomized trial.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
200
Inclusion Criteria
  1. Aged 18-45 years;
  2. Single term pregnancy with vertex presentation planning vaginal delivery;
  3. Planning to receive epidural labor analgesia.
Exclusion Criteria
  1. Presence of contraindications to epidural analgesia, which includes: (1) History of infectious disease of the central nervous system (poliomyelitis, cerebrospinal meningitis, encephalitis, etc.); (2) History of spinal or intra-spinal disease (trauma or surgery of spinal column, intra-spinal canal mass, etc.); (3) Systemic infection (sepsis); (4) Skin or soft tissue infection at the site of epidural puncture; (5) Coagulopathy.
  2. Existence of bradycardia (heart rate <60 bpm), hypotension (SBP <90 mmHg) or severe hypertension (SBP ≥180mmHg), uncontrolled systemic comorbidities (i.e., diabetes or hepatic, renal or cardiac disease), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status ≥3.
  3. History of psychiatric disease or epilepsia.
  4. Allergy to study agents.
  5. Other conditions that are considered unsuitable for study participation.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
SufentanilSufentanilloading dose of 0.45 microgram/ml sufentanil plus 0.09% ropivacaine, maintenance dose of 0.36 microgram/ml sufentanil plus 0.07% ropivacaine
DexmedetomidineDexmedetomidineloading dose of 0.45 microgram/ml dexmedetomidine plus 0.09% ropivacaine, maintenance dose of 0.36 microgram/ml dexmedetomidine plus 0.07% ropivacaine
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Composite neonatal morbidityUp to 24 hours after birth

Included any of the following: 1-min or 5-min Apgar score less than 7, umbilical cord arterial PH less than 7.1, requirement for immediate assisted ventilation, neonatal intensive care unit or neonatal ward admission within 24 hours after birth.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Delivery modeAt the time of delivery

The mode of delivery includes spontaneous delivery, instrumental delivery, and Cesarean delivery.

Epidural infusion volumeFrom the begining of epidural analgesia until childbirth, up to 20 hours

Total epidural infusion volume and epidural infusion volume per hour

Duration of laborFrom the begining of the first stage of labor until delivery of the placenta, up to 20 hours

Durations of the first, second, and third stages of labor

The depression score assessed by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)At 42 days after childbirth

The depression will be assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS; score range 0-30, with higher score indicating more severe depression). The assessment will be conducted by a telephone interview. A score of EPDS ≥10 was set as the threshold of postpartum depression.

Subjective sleep quality score at the first night after childbirthUp to 24 hours after childbirth

Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score of subjective sleep quality

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Peking University First Hospital

🇨🇳

Beijin, Bejing, China

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