Effect of Epidural Analgesia on Regional Lung Ventilation in Parturient Women as Assessed by Thoracic Impedance

Launched by ERASME UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL · Dec 23, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how epidural anesthesia, a common pain relief method during labor, affects breathing in healthy pregnant women. The researchers want to find out if using epidural pain relief helps improve how well the lungs are working during labor. To do this, they will measure lung function using a special technique called electrical impedance tomography before and after the epidural is given. It's important to note that this study is observational, meaning that it won't change any medical care provided during labor.

To participate in this study, women must be at least 36 weeks pregnant and generally healthy (classified as ASA Class I or II). Unfortunately, those with certain conditions, such as severe obesity, respiratory diseases, or pregnancy complications like pre-eclampsia, will not be eligible. If you qualify and choose to participate, you'll simply undergo some lung function tests to help researchers learn more about the effects of epidural anesthesia on breathing during labor. This study is not currently recruiting participants, but it aims to provide valuable insights into labor and pain management for future expectant mothers.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • At-term pregnancy (at least 36 weeks)
• • ASA class I-II
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Class III or more
• • BMI\>35 before pregnancy
• • Contraindication to routinely administrated drugs (levobupivacaine, lidocaine, sufentanil)
• • Contraindication to epidural analgesia
• • Pregnancy-related complications (including pre-eclampsia)
• • Respiratory system diseases
• • Severe psychiatric disorders
• • Twin pregnancy
• • Skin lesions in correspondence to the position of the Electric impedance tomography belt
• • Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
• • Language barrier