Analgesic Efficacy and Obstetric Effects of Tramadol, Paracetamol and Placebo in Active Labor

Analgesic Efficacy and Obstetric Effects of Tramadol, Paracetamol and Placebo in Active Labor: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aims to compare the analgesic efficacy and obstetric effects of tramadol (100 mg IV) versus paracetamol (1 g IV) versus placebo (saline solution) in nulliparous women during active labor. The primary outcome is duration of active labor (minutes). Secondary outcomes include duration of expulsive phase, type of delivery, need for oxytocin augmentation, maternal adverse events (nausea, vomiting, somnolence, hypotension), and neonatal outcomes (Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes, NICU admission). The study hypothesizes that tramadol significantly reduces active labor duration compared to paracetamol and placebo, without compromising maternal or neonatal safety. A total of 300 nulliparous women (100 per group) will be enrolled at Hospital Escuela, Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

This is a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, superiority efficacy trial comparing three interventions: tramadol 100 mg IV, paracetamol 1 g IV, and placebo (10 mL 0.9% saline solution) administered at the onset of active labor (cervical dilation ≥4 cm with regular contractions). The study design follows CONSORT guidelines for randomized controlled trials. Randomization will be performed using REDCap's automated randomization module in variable block sizes, ensuring allocation concealment. Double-blinding is maintained: participants, care providers, and outcome assessors are masked to group assignment. The primary endpoint is duration of active labor (minutes from intervention administration to complete cervical dilation). Secondary endpoints include: duration of expulsive phase (minutes), type of delivery (spontaneous vaginal, instrumental, cesarean), need for oxytocin augmentation, maternal adverse events (nausea, vomiting, somnolence, hypotension, pruritus, dizziness), neonatal Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes, birth weight, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, NICU admission, and neonatal asphyxia. Data collection includes sociodemographic variables (age, education, marital status, occupation), obstetric variables (gestational age, prenatal care visits, BMI, membrane status, cervical dilation at intervention, baseline fetal heart rate), and pain scores (Visual Analog Scale pre-intervention, 30 min, 1h, 2h post-intervention). Statistical analysis includes ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis for continuous variables, chi-square for categorical variables, and logistic regression for binary outcomes, with significance set at p<0.05. A Data Safety Monitoring Board will oversee safety every 3 months. The study is funded by Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras and will be conducted at Hospital Escuela, Tegucigalpa, from Feb. 2026 to June 2026.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Nulliparous pregnant women
• Age between 15 and 45 years
• Singleton pregnancy, term (37-41 weeks gestation)
• Cephalic presentation
• Active labor defined as cervical dilation ≥4 cm with regular contractions
• Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Multiple gestation or high-risk pregnancy (preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, etc.)
• Known allergy or contraindication to tramadol or paracetamol
• Recent use (less than 6 hours) of any analgesic medication
• Previous cesarean section or other uterine surgery
• Active infection or fever at admission
• Inability to provide informed consent due to mental or communication conditions
• Non-cephalic presentation
• Rupture of membranes >18 hours without labor
• Participation in another clinical trial within the last 3 months