Burst vs. steady: which epidural method is better for moms?
NCT ID NCT01856166
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested two methods of delivering epidural pain medication during labor in 304 first-time mothers. One method gave a steady drip of pain relievers, while the other gave small, timed bursts. The goal was to see which approach led to fewer delivery complications, such as the need for forceps or vacuum. Researchers tracked pain levels, muscle weakness, and overall satisfaction.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Levobupivacaine and Sufentanil (pain-relieving drugs) delivered via epidural pump
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show that giving pain medication in small, timed bursts reduces the need for assisted delivery (like forceps) compared to a continuous drip.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed study, so results are already in. The difference between methods may be small, and findings may not apply to all women or other hospitals.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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304 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jun 2013
- Finished
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Jun 2016
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 44 years
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Nulliparous patient with a spontaneous labor at full term, from a normal pregnancy, carrier a singleton in cephalic position, with a distension \<4cm and eligible for an epidural analgesia * Patient has signed informed consent * Patient affiliated or beneficiary of a social medical insurance * Patient aged between 18 and 44 years old Exclusion Criteria: * Morphinic administration before the care * Anomaly of fetal cardiac rate * Fetal or maternal anomalies wich don't allow to evaluate motor block * Known uterine malformation * Contraindications for thrusts for pregnancy * Patient protected by law * Patient under guardianship
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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CHU Bicêtre
Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, 94275, France
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CHU d'Estaing
Clermont-Ferrand, 63003, France
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CHU of Montpellier
Montpellier, 34000, France
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Hôpital Mère Enfant
Bron, 69500, France
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