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Completed

NCT Number: NCT01074190

The Effect of Neuraxial Analgesia on Maternal Breastfeeding

A previous randomized trial showed a possible negative association with labor neuraxial analgesia with high compared to low doses of fentanyl, and breastfeeding at 6 weeks postpartum. The significance of this study would be to validate or refute these findings. In addition, we hope to better evaluate the impact of cumulative dose of fentanyl on breastfeeding success in the initial postpartum period as well as at 6 weeks and 6 months post delivery. In order to better assess the quality of breastfeeding, we will utilize a validated breastfeeding assessment tool, LATCH (Latch, Audible swallowing, Type of Nipple, Comfort, and Help). This validated tool can assess maternal and infant variables, define areas of needed intervention, and determine priorities in providing patient teaching. The LATCH assessment has been shown to be a predictor of breastfeeding duration. We also plan to vary the dosage of fentanyl analgesia to determine the relationship between doses below 150 micrograms and changes in breastfeeding assessments. If a clear association between decreased breastfeeding and total fentanyl is identified, then regimens to reduce cumulative doses of fentanyl can be developed to improve the likelihood of breastfeeding success in mothers that desire to breastfeed.

Prior observational studies have inferred epidurals negatively affect breastfeeding by decreasing maternal plasma oxytocin release which may adversely affect infant neurobehavioral development. In a study by Beilin et al., it was reported that mothers receiving a high cumulative dose (> 150 microgram) epidural fentanyl were more likely to have stopped nursing 6 weeks postpartum compared with groups receiving no fentanyl or those receiving < 150 microgram. The study however, was underpowered to detect differences in breastfeeding prior to hospital discharge. In addition, the breastfeeding assessment tool utilized resulted in binary assessments, and therefore, a global rating of the quality of breastfeeding was not available.

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Key information

Conditions

Pain Behavior Breast Feeding Breastfeeding Feeding Behavior Neurologic Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Northwestern University

Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States

About this study

Participants in this study will be asked to complete a questionnaire called the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI).

Subjects will be randomized at the time they request neuraxial analgesia to one of three groups: Group 1: patient controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) with bupivacaine 1mg/mL; Group 2: PCEA with fentanyl 1 mcg/mL plus bupivacaine 0.8 mg/mL; Group 3: PCEA with fentanyl 2 mcg/mL plus bupivacaine 0.625 mg/mL. Labor analgesia will be initiated in all groups using fentanyl 15 mcg plus bupivacaine 2.5 mg administered intrathecally. A basal infusion rate for the PCEA will be set at 8 mL/h with patient administered boluses of 8 mL every 10 minutes and a one hour limit of 32 mL. Breakthrough pain in all groups will be managed using anesthesiologist administered boluses of bupivacaine 1.25 mg/mL without fentanyl.

The patient as well as individuals who evaluate the study patient will be blinded to the group assignment. Samples of maternal venous blood ½ teaspoon (2 mls) and cord blood 2ml (1/2 teaspoon) will be collected after the delivery of the fetus. Blood concentrations of fentanyl and bupivacaine will be ascertained using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Success of breastfeeding using the LATCH assessment tool will be measured by the lactation nurses within 24 hrs of delivery. At 6 weeks and at 3 months postpartum, follow-up phone calls by the anesthesia service will be made to assess for duration of breastfeeding. Also, the patient's obstetrician will be contacted to obtain the patient's Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score to assess for postpartum depression, which may be a variable in decreasing breastfeeding success.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Age 18 and above
  • English speaking
  • Term gestation (> 38 weeks)
  • Parous parturients presenting for attempted vaginal delivery with a cervical dilation less than 8 cm
  • They must request neuraxial labor analgesia
  • Have previously successfully breastfed their child postpartum for at least 6 weeks
  • Are expressing an interest in exclusively breastfeeding postpartum

Exclusion criteria

  • Under 18 years of age
  • Parturients who have received parental opioids during labor or have taken opioids prenatally
  • Patients whose neuraxial analgesia failed due to abnormal spinal anatomy including scoliosis or previous spinal instrumentation
  • Supplemental epidural opioids during labor
  • Had an expedited labor with the delivery of the fetus less than 90 minutes from the placement of the neuraxial anesthestic
  • Underwent cesarean delivery
  • Received general analgesia for an unanticipated postpartum procedure
  • Dropout criteria include patients who wished to be taken out of the study or were lost to follow-up

Treatment and study plan

Group 1

Drug

A basal infusion rate for the PCEA will be set at 8 mL/h with patient administered boluses of 8 mL every 10 minutes and a one hour limit of 32 mL. Breakthrough pain in all groups will be managed using anesthesiologist administered boluses of bupivacaine 1.25 mg/mL without fentanyl.

Other names: bupivacaine 1mg/ml

Group 2

Drug

A basal infusion rate for the PCEA will be set at 8 mL/h with patient administered boluses of 8 mL every 10 minutes and a one hour limit of 32 mL. Breakthrough pain in all groups will be managed using anesthesiologist administered boluses of bupivacaine 1.25 mg/mL without fentanyl.

Other names: fentanyl 1mcg/ml plus bupivacaine 0.8 mg/ml

Group 3

Drug

A basal infusion rate for the PCEA will be set at 8 mL/h with patient administered boluses of 8 mL every 10 minutes and a one hour limit of 32 mL. Breakthrough pain in all groups will be managed using anesthesiologist administered boluses of bupivacaine 1.25 mg/mL without fentanyl.

Other names: fentanyl 2mcg/ml plus bupivacaine 0.625 mg/ml

Primary outcomes

  1. Breastfeeding at 6 Weeks Post Delivery

    Time frame: 6 weeks post delivery

    Breastfeeding continuing at 6 weeks after delivery of the baby.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Breastfeeding at 3 Months After Delivery

    Time frame: 3 months after delivery

    Breastfeeding at 3 months after delivery of baby

Other outcomes

  1. Cumulative Fentanyl Dose (Micrograms)

    Time frame: Time of epidural catheter removal

    Total cumulative dose of fentanyl in micrograms

  2. Plasma Fentanyl Concentration (ng/mL)

    Time frame: Time of epidural catheter removal

    Blood plasma fentanyl concentraton (nanograms/milliliter).

  3. Umbilical Vein Plasma Fentanyl Concentration (ng/mL)

    Time frame: Immediately after delivery

    Umbilical venous blood plasma was analyzed for fentanyl concentration (ng/mL)

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Northwestern University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2010
Primary completion
2016
Study completion
2016
First posted
Feb 24, 2010
Registry last updated
Apr 5, 2022

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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