The Efficacy and Safety of Continuous Intravenous Administration of Remifentanil for Birth Pain Relief: An Open Study of 205 Parturients

OBSTETRIC ANESTHESIOLOGY
In an observational study, we prospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of remifentanil in 205 parturients. Remifentanil was administered as a continuous infusion. The initial infusion of 0.025 µg · kg–1 · min–1 was increased in a stepwise manner to a maximum dose of 0.15 µg · kg–1 · min–1. Maternal pain, other maternal and fetal variables, side effects, and satisfaction were recorded. The mean (±sd) visual analog score before the start of the infusion was 9.4 ± 1.2 cm and decreased to 5.1 ± 0.4 cm after 5 min and 3.6 ± 1.5 cm after 30 min. The maternal side effects were minimal and no fetal or neonatal side effects were noted.