Differential sensory block during labour epidural analgesia: a prospective observational study to investigate the relationship of lower and upper sensory block levels to cold, pinprick, and light touch.

Purpose: A zone of differential block to cold has been recently documented during labour epidural analgesia, with an upper sensory block level (USBL) and a lower sensory block level (LSBL). We aimed to determine the correlation between USBL and LSBL to cold and pinprick and sensory block level to light touch during labour epidural analgesia.

Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study in patients requesting labour epidural analgesia.

Changes in sensory block level during a programmed intermittent epidural bolus regimen for labour analgesia: a prospective observational cohort study.

Purpose: In the context of a programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) regimen for labour analgesia, one can identify an upper sensory block level (USBL), defined as the highest dermatome with any altered sensation to cold, and a lower sensory block level (LSBL), defined as the highest dermatome with complete sensory block to cold. This study investigated whether and how these sensory block levels vary within PIEB cycles.

Methods: We enrolled patients requesting epidural analgesia.