Effect of Intrathecal Single Dose Clonidine-Bupivacaine - Fentanyl Admixture Versus Bupivacaine - Fentanyl Only on Labour Pain
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Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effects of clonidine addition to single dose intrathecal bupivacaine-fentanyl admixture on labour pain. Design: Prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Subjects:134 labouring women. Methods: Following approval, 134 consenting parturients received, intrathecally, either clonidine 25µg, bupivacaine 2.5mg and fentanyl 25µg (group A = 67) or bupivacaine 2.5mg and fentanyl 25µg (group B = 67). Maternal blood pressure, sensory/motor block, pain, duration of active labour, labour outcome, neonatal APGAR score and umbilical arterial pH were recorded. Results: Group A rather than B, had longer mean duration and faster onset of effective analgesia (170.0 (20.5) versus 108.7 (19.9) minutes; P = 0.001), and (3.6 (1.1) versus 4.9 (0.3) minutes; P = 0.001), respectively, and longer time to Bromage 6 (P = 0.001). APGAR scores at 1st and 5th minute (P = 0.16 and P = 0.405 respectively), mean umbilical arterial pH (P = 0.342), active labour duration (P = 0.905) and labour outcome (P = 0.052) were similar. Conclusion: Compared to group B, group A achieved significantly faster onset, longer duration of effective analgesia and motor block; active labour duration, labour and neonatal outcomes were similar, with minimal side effects.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Chukwunomso Onuegbu, Alfred Tamunoigbanibo Aggo, Olusola Kayode Idowu, Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan
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Chukwunomso Onuegbu, Obstetric Anaesthesia Unit, Department of Anaesthesia, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Obstetric Anaesthesia Unit, Department of Anaesthesia, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Alfred Tamunoigbanibo Aggo, Obstetric Anaesthesia Unit, Department of Anaesthesia, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
*Corresponding Author: Alfred Tamunoigbanibo Aggo; Obstetric Anaesthesia Unit, Department of Anaesthesia, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Olusola Kayode Idowu, Obstetric Anaesthesia Unit, Department of Anaesthesia, University of Ibadan/University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Obstetric Anaesthesia Unit, Department of Anaesthesia, University of Ibadan/University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan, Obstetric Anaesthesia Unit, Department of Anaesthesia, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Obstetric Anaesthesia Unit, Department of Anaesthesia, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
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