Childbirth is an intense physical and psychological experience. Epidural analgesia (EP) remains the gold standard in labor pain management. However, continuous refinements are aimed at enhancing analgesic quality and mitigating adverse effects. In recent years, the dural puncture epidural (DPE) technique has gained popularity. In this technique, the dura is intentionally punctured with a spinal needle before the epidural catheter is placed, but no intrathecal medication is administered. This historically controlled study evaluates the clinical outcomes of a protocol transition from standard high-dose epidural to low-dose DPE. The primary objective is to compare total analgesic consumption and success rates of labor analgesia between the two techniques. The secondary objectives include the assessment of hemodynamic parameters, motor block characteristics, adverse effects (such as paresthesia and hypotension), and overall maternal satisfaction
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 40 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:
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II
* Gestational age 37-42 weeks
* Planned vaginal delivery
* Request for labor analgesia during active labor with cervical dilation ≥ 3-4 cm
Exclusion Criteria:
* Multiple gestations
* Diagnosis of preeclampsia/eclampsia
* Severe systemic disease
* Contraindications to epidural analgesia (e.g., coagulopathy, infection at the injection site)
* History of opioid dependence
* Refusal to participate in the study protocol
* Missing data in medical records for the retrospective group
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
1
Total Analgesic Consumption
Timeframe: From the initiation of epidural analgesia until delivery.
2
Adequate Analgesia Achievement
Timeframe: Assessed at 15 minutes post-procedure and during hourly follow-ups until delivery.