Optimization of programmed intermittent epidural bolus volume for different concentrations of ropivacaine in labor analgesia: a biased coin up-and-down sequential allocation trial

Abstract Background and objectives To date, programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) has been widely used in obstetric analgesia, while no optimal PIEB regimen has been proposed. This study aimed to assess effective analgesia in 90% of women (EV90) with different concentrations of ropivacaine (0.075% and 0.1%) combined with 0.5 µg/mL sufentanil, at an interval of 40 min using the biased coin design-up-and-down method (BCD-UDM), and to explore whether there is a difference in EV90 with the increase of ropivacaine concentration. Methods In total, 103 primiparous women were assigned to two groups, including group A (n = 52) and group B (n = 51). Parturients in group A were treated with 0.075% ropivacaine and 0.5 µg/mL sufentanil, while those in group B were treated with 0.1% ropivacaine and 0.5 µg/mL sufentanil. Used the biased coin up-and-down sequential allocation method to determine the EV90. The secondary outcomes were sensory block level, motor block, and adverse events (hypotension, urinary retention, and pruritus). Results The results revealed that EV90 was 10 mL (95% confidence interval (CI):8.03–11.54) in group A, and EV90 was 9 mL (95% CI:7.49–10.51) in group B by the isotonic regression method. The highest level of the sensory block was T8, and the lowest was T12. No case of hypotension was recorded,and only 4 parturients complained of motor block. Conclusion With an interval of 40 min, the optimal PIEB bolus volume of 0.075% ropivacaine and 0.5 µg/mL sufentanil was 10 mL, 0.1% ropivacaine and 0.5 µg/mL sufentanil was 9 mL. Moreover, the PIEB volume decreased along with the higher concentration of ropivacaine. Trial registration ChiCTR registration number: ChiCTR2000040917 . Registration date: December 15, 2020.