A Survey of Intravenous Remifentanil Use for Labor Analgesia at Academic Medical Centers in the United States.

TitleA Survey of Intravenous Remifentanil Use for Labor Analgesia at Academic Medical Centers in the United States.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2016
AuthorsAaronson J, Abramovitz S, Smiley R, Tangel V, Landau R
JournalAnesth Analg
Date Published2016 Sep 20
ISSN1526-7598
Abstract

Remifentanil is most commonly offered when neuraxial labor analgesia is contraindicated. There is no consensus regarding the optimal administration, dosing strategy, or requirements for maternal monitoring, which may pose a patient safety issue. This exploratory survey evaluated the current practices regarding remifentanil use for labor analgesia at academic centers in the United States. Of 126 obstetric anesthesia directors surveyed, 84 (67%) responded. In 2014 to 2015, an estimated 36% (95% confidence interval: 25.7-46.3) of centers used remifentanil, most of which did so less than 5 times. Some serious maternal and neonatal respiratory complications occurred, emphasizing that clinical protocols and adequate monitoring are key to ensure maternal and neonatal safety.

DOI10.1213/ANE.0000000000001622
Alternate JournalAnesth. Analg.
PubMed ID27655279