The Effect Of Epidural Labor Analgesia On The Endocrine Function Of Placenta-Feutes

Objective: To investigate the effect of epidural labor analgesia on the endocrine function of placenta-feutes by observing the level of placental hormone in labor. Methods: Forty primiparas with a full-term singleton fetus in the vertex presentati- on(ASAⅠ-Ⅱ) were randomly divided into two groups. The epidural analgesia was used in groupⅡ.The parturients in groupⅠwere not given PCEA in normal labor. Venous blood was drawn from each parturient at the time of 3cm cervical dilation(T1),one hour after 3cm cervical dilation (T2) and fetal disengagement(T3). U mbilical vein blood and amniotic fluid were also drawn after delivery. The radioimm- unoassay(RIA) method was used to measure corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH),cortisol(CORT),prostaglandin(PGE2),progesteron(P),estrio(lE2),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-ɑ) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). In additi,labor course,VAS Score and Apgar's score were recorded.Results: 1.At T2 and T3 , VAS Score in groupⅡwas lower than that of groupⅠ,but there was no statistical difference at T1 2.Compared with groupⅠ,the concentration of cortisol in maternal blood decreased after epidural analgesia in groupⅡ. However, there was no difference in umbilical vein blood and amniotic fluid between two groups. 3.The concentration of CRH was similar in venous blood, umbilical vein blood and amniotic fluid between two groups. 4.The concentration of PGE2 was similar in venous blood, umbilical vein blood and amniotic fluid between two groups. 5.E2 and P concentrations in maternal and umbilical vein blood and amniotic fluid were similar between the two groups. 6.TNF-ɑand IL-6 concentrations in maternal and umbilical vein blood and amniotic fluid were similar between the two groups. Conclusions: Epidural labor analgesia has a good effect on labor pain , At the same time it has no effect on the endocrine function of placenta-feutes. Epidural labor analgesia almost has no effect on labor course, vas scorce and Apgar scorce.