CompletedPhase 4

Optimal Bupivacaine Dose for Initiation of Labor Epidural Techniques

United States100 participantsStarted 2021-02-25

Plain-language summary

To estimate the dose of bupivacaine required to achieve initial effective comfort in 90% of patients (ED90) via the epidural (DPE or EPL) technique in women undergoing labor.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 50 Years

Sex

FEMALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Parturient with no major co-morbidities
. Singleton, vertex gestation at term (37-42 weeks)
. Less than or equal to 5 cm dilation
. Desire to receive epidural labor analgesia
. Numerical Rating Scale greater or equal to 5 (NRS 0-10, where 0 = no pain, and 10 = worst pain imaginable), at time of epidural labor analgesia request.

Exclusion criteria

. Current or historical evidence of clinically significant disease or condition, including diseases of pregnancy (i.e preeclampsia, gestational diabetes)
. Any contraindication to the administration of an epidural technique
. History of hypersensitivity or idiosyncratic reaction to an amide local anesthetic agent
. Current or historical evidence of a disease which may result in the risk of a cesarean delivery (i.e. history of uterine rupture). NB: Exception-trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) will be eligible.
. Evidence of anticipated fetal anomalies

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Verbal Numerical Rating Score (0-10, with higher scores meaning more pain); goal with analgesia is < 3/10

Timeframe: 30 minutes

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04814537

SponsorBrigham and Women's Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2022-03-23

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Labor Pain trials