Subcutaneous fentanyl for labour analgesia: a retrospective case note review

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2021

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Fleet, J.
Sok, C.
Randall, E.R.
Cyna, A.M.

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International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia, 2021; 45:138-141

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Abstract

Background: In 2017, a South Australia Perinatal Practice Guideline was introduced state-wide for the use of subcutaneous fentanyl for labour analgesia as a replacement for intramuscular pethidine. We retrospectively reviewed the implementation of this practice change in our institution. Methods: A retrospective review of maternal and neonatal case notes for the first 100 women administered subcutaneous fentanyl in labour at a single tertiary referral centre for maternity care, between February and June 2017. Results: Of the 102 women administered subcutaneous fentanyl, the majority (55%) were primipara, with an average maternal age of 29 years and body mass index of 27 kg/m2. The median total fentanyl dose administered was 200 µg and the average time from last dose to birth was 3 h. The majority of women (70%) did not require additional rescue labour analgesia and 80% had a spontaneous vaginal birth. All neonates had a 5-min Apgar score >7. The median Apgar score at 1 and 5 min was 9. No neonate had an arterial cord blood pH <7.1. The mean arterial and venous cord blood pH was 7.3. The average time for neonates to establish breathing was 1 min and the median postnatal length of stay was two days. Conclusions: Subcutaneous fentanyl for labour analgesia appears effective and has a low incidence of adverse events.

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Copyright 2020 Elsevier Access Condition Notes: Accepted manuscript available after 1 October 2022

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