We evaluated 131 primiparous women who received respiratory guidance during maternal uterine contractions and received either AA (n = 43), CSEA (n = 45), or no additional treatment (control, n = 43).
Sample Count
131
Age
21-31
Control
Std
no additional treatment(control, n=43)
Experiment
AA (n=43);CSEA (n=45)
Indicator
Visual analog scale(VAS)
Auxiliary Medication
Sufentanil, Ropivacaine
Stimulation Method
EA
Induction Method
Electroacupuncture Instrument Model
Manufacturer
Frequency
Waveform
Strength
Induction Time
G6805-2A
Shanghai Huayi
(G-6805 = 2A, Shanghai, China).
50 Hz
dense and dispersed waveform
a maximum intensity depending on the tolerance of the individual patient.
electroacupuncture was applied at Hegu (LI 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) until the end of the active phase of labor (full dilation of the cervix).
Acupuncture_Needle
Needle_Manufacturer
Needle_Depth
0.32 mm × 25-40 mm
Suzhou Huanqiu Acupuncture Medical Appliance (Suzhou, China)
One patient in the AA group experienced mild numbness of the index finger of her right hand after receiving acupuncture, which resolved 1 week later without any treatment.
Effector
The abdominal VAS scores of the AA and CSEA groups were significantly lower than that of the control group. In addition, the VAS scores of the CSEA group were significantly lower than that of the AA group at 10 and 60 min after intervention. The back pain VAS scores of the AA and CSEA groups were significantly lower than that of the control group at 5, 10, and 60 min after intervention. The duration of the active phase of labor in the CSEA group was significantly longer than that of the AA and control groups. The rates of oxytocin use (4.70%), urinary retention (4.70%), and postpartum hemorrhage [(273.7 ± 53.6) mL] in the AA group were significantly lower than in the CSEA group [46.70%, 24.20%, and (320.0 ± 85.6) mL, respectively]. Both AA and CSEA were effective for labor pain relief, CSEA provided more effective pain relief, while AA was associated with a shorter duration of labor and fewer adverse effects.and each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Effectiveness of acupuncture versus spinal-epidural anesthesia on labor pain: a randomized controlled trial.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture analgesia (AA) compared with combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (CSEA) for labor pain relief and labor outcomes. METHODS: We evaluated 131 primiparous women who received respiratory guidance during maternal uterine contractions and received either AA (n = 43), CSEA (n = 45), or no additional treatment (control, n = 43). The groups were compared regarding visual analog scale (VAS) scores for abdominal and back pain, and labor outcomes. RESULTS: The abdominal VAS scores of the AA and CSEA groups were significantly lower than that of the control group. In addition, the VAS scores of the CSEA group were significantly lower than that of the AA group at 10 and 60 min after intervention. The back pain VAS scores of the AA and CSEA groups were significantly lower than that of the control group at 5, 10, and 60 min after intervention. The duration of the active phase of labor in the CSEA group was significantly longer than that of the AA and control groups. The rates of oxytocin use (4.70%), urinary retention (4.70%), and postpartum hemorrhage [(273.7 +/- 53.6) mL] in the AA group were significantly lower than in the CSEA group [46.70%, 24.20%, and (320.0 +/- 85.6) mL, respectively]. CONCLUSION: Both AA and CSEA were effective for labor pain relief, CSEA provided more effective pain relief, while AA was associated with a shorter duration of labor and fewer adverse effects.and each has its advantages and disadvantages."
