A Comparison of Epidural Analgesia: Continuous Infusion Versus Programmed Intermittent Boluses

The analgesic approach in labor can be done in different ways, among which the neuraxial approach has shown the best analgesic results and fetal outcomes. Currently, programmed epidural intermittent bolus has been included in the neuraxial approach for a better distribution of the solution into the epidural space as compared with the continuous infusion strategy. In this study, the investigators seek to compare both strategies in 132 laboring women.

Inclusion Criteria:

• At term pregnancy
• Laboring patients requiring epidural analgesia

Exclusion Criteria:

• American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status > or equal than 3
• allergy to local anesthesics
• Neuraxial contraindications
• Hemodynamic instability
• Systemic disease such as diabetes mellitus or hypertension
• Chronic usage of analgesics
• Disease associated to pregnancy such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, fetal malformations among others