Journal of pain research
Effects of Dexmedetomidine or Sufentanil Plus Low-Dose Ropivacaine for Epidural Labor Analgesia on Maternal Intrapartum Temperature Changes and Delivery Outcomes
By Deng Z, Yao R, Che Y and 1 others.
Abstract
Purpose
To compare the effects of dexmedetomidine versus sufentanil combined with low-dose ropivacaine for epidural labor analgesia on maternal intrapartum temperature and delivery outcomes.
Methods
612 full-term parturients receiving epidural analgesia were randomized into dexmedetomidine or sufentanil groups (both combined with ropivacaine, maintaining VAS <4). Baseline characteristics, analgesic efficacy, intrapartum temperature, fetal heart rate (FHR), delivery outcomes, and neonatal transfer rates were compared. Risk factors for cesarean section were analyzed.
Results
Baseline characteristics were similar except for a higher adverse pregnancy history in the dexmedetomidine group (37.66% vs 22.04%, p=0.001). Analgesic efficacy, labor duration, FHR, and Apgar scores did not differ between groups. Temperatures were similar at 1 h and 10 h post-analgesia, but the dexmedetomidine group exhibited significantly lower temperatures at 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, and 8 h (p<0.05). Elevated BMI, advanced gestational age, nulliparity, and oxytocin use were independent risk factors for cesarean section, while vaginal examinations were protective; however, these factors demonstrated low predictive value (AUC<0.7). Neonatal transfer rates were comparable between groups.