Continuous infusion peridural analgesia in labor

: A technique of continuous infusion epidural anesthesia was used during labour in 933 patients divided into three groups according to age: Group A (14-18 years old), Group B (19-35 years old) and Group C (greater than 35 years old). Infusion was carried out using the following system: a PVC pressurized bag containing 0.3% marcain connected to 2 flow regulators which ensured a flow of 6 ml/h. During the dilatation phase, 85% of patients received sufficient analgesia, whereas 15% required extra boluses. During the expulsive phase 80% of patients received adequate analgesia of the perineal plane, 12% received an extra bolus of marcain 0.3% and local anesthesia was performed in 8% to allow infiltration. Instruments were required in 5.6% of patients in Group A, 11.3% in Group B and 7.4% in Group C. The incidence of Caesarian section was 5.6% in Group A, 9% in Group B and 14.8% in Group C. No maternal complication was observed. Epidural anesthesia via continuous infusion was therefore shown to be an efficacious and safe method for ensuring analgesia during labour.