PainNCT01074190
The Effect of Neuraxial Analgesia on Maternal Breastfeeding
A study testing Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3 in people with Pain and Breastfeeding, run by Northwestern University at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
A previous randomized trial showed a possible negative association with labor neuraxial analgesia with high compared to low doses of fentanyl, and breastfeeding at 6 weeks postpartum. The significance of this study would be to validate or refute these findings. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Pain, Breastfeeding
- What is being tested?
- Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3
- Type of treatment
- Injection or infusion
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 345 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- Jan 2010to Dec 2016
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 18 and above
- English speaking
- Term gestation (> 38 weeks)
- Parous parturients presenting for attempted vaginal delivery with a cervical dilation less than 8 cm
- They must request neuraxial labor analgesia
- Have previously successfully breastfed their child postpartum for at least 6 weeks
- Are expressing an interest in exclusively breastfeeding postpartum
Who cannot join
- Under 18 years of age
- Parturients who have received parental opioids during labor or have taken opioids prenatally
- Patients whose neuraxial analgesia failed due to abnormal spinal anatomy including scoliosis or previous spinal instrumentation
- Supplemental epidural opioids during labor
- Had an expedited labor with the delivery of the fetus less than 90 minutes from the placement of the neuraxial anesthestic
- Underwent cesarean delivery
- Received general analgesia for an unanticipated postpartum procedure
- Dropout criteria include patients who wished to be taken out of the study or were lost to follow-up
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
A previous randomized trial showed a possible negative association with labor neuraxial analgesia with high compared to low doses of fentanyl, and breastfeeding at 6 weeks postpartum. The significance of this study would be to validate or refute these findings. In addition, we hope to better evaluate the impact of cumulative dose of fentanyl on breastfeeding success in the initial postpartum period as well as at 6 weeks and 6 months post delivery. In order to better assess the quality of breastfeeding, we will utilize a validated breastfeeding assessment tool, LATCH (Latch, Audible swallowing, Type of Nipple, Comfort, and Help). This validated tool can assess maternal and infant variables, define areas of needed intervention, and determine priorities in providing patient teaching. The LATCH assessment has been shown to be a predictor of breastfeeding duration. We also plan to vary the dosage of fentanyl analgesia to determine the relationship between doses below 150 micrograms and changes in breastfeeding assessments. If a clear association between decreased breastfeeding and total fentanyl is identified, then regimens to reduce cumulative doses of fentanyl can be developed to improve the likelihood of breastfeeding success in mothers that desire to breastfeed.
Prior observational studies have inferred epidurals negatively affect breastfeeding by decreasing maternal plasma oxytocin release which may adversely affect infant neurobehavioral development. In a study by Beilin et al., it was reported that mothers receiving a high cumulative dose (> 150 microgram) epidural fentanyl were more likely to have stopped nursing 6 weeks postpartum compared with groups receiving no fentanyl or those receiving < 150 microgram. The study however, was underpowered to detect differences in breastfeeding prior to hospital discharge. In addition, the breastfeeding assessment tool utilized resulted in binary assessments, and therefore, a global rating of the quality of breastfeeding was not available.
Read the detailed description
Participants in this study will be asked to complete a questionnaire called the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI).
Subjects will be randomized at the time they request neuraxial analgesia to one of three groups: Group 1: patient controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) with bupivacaine 1mg/mL; Group 2: PCEA with fentanyl 1 mcg/mL plus bupivacaine 0.8 mg/mL; Group 3: PCEA with fentanyl 2 mcg/mL plus bupivacaine 0.625 mg/mL. Labor analgesia will be initiated in all groups using fentanyl 15 mcg plus bupivacaine 2.5 mg administered intrathecally. A basal infusion rate for the PCEA will be set at 8 mL/h with patient administered boluses of 8 mL every 10 minutes and a one hour limit of 32 mL. Breakthrough pain in all groups will be managed using anesthesiologist administered boluses of bupivacaine 1.25 mg/mL without fentanyl.
The patient as well as individuals who evaluate the study patient will be blinded to the group assignment. Samples of maternal venous blood ½ teaspoon (2 mls) and cord blood 2ml (1/2 teaspoon) will be collected after the delivery of the fetus. Blood concentrations of fentanyl and bupivacaine will be ascertained using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Success of breastfeeding using the LATCH assessment tool will be measured by the lactation nurses within 24 hrs of delivery. At 6 weeks and at 3 months postpartum, follow-up phone calls by the anesthesia service will be made to assess for duration of breastfeeding. Also, the patient's obstetrician will be contacted to obtain the patient's Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score to assess for postpartum depression, which may be a variable in decreasing breastfeeding success.
- Conditions
- Pain, Breastfeeding
- Being tested
- Group 1, Group 2, Group 3
- Keywords
- Epidural Labor Analgesia, Pain, Infant, Breastfeeding
- Medical subject headings
- Pain, Breast Feeding
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Group 1Drug
Also called bupivacaine 1mg/ml
A basal infusion rate for the PCEA will be set at 8 mL/h with patient administered boluses of 8 mL every 10 minutes and a one hour limit of 32 mL. Breakthrough pain in all groups will be managed using anesthesiologist administered boluses of bupivacaine 1.25 mg/mL without fentanyl.
Group 2Drug
Also called fentanyl 1mcg/ml plus bupivacaine 0.8 mg/ml
A basal infusion rate for the PCEA will be set at 8 mL/h with patient administered boluses of 8 mL every 10 minutes and a one hour limit of 32 mL. Breakthrough pain in all groups will be managed using anesthesiologist administered boluses of bupivacaine 1.25 mg/mL without fentanyl.
Group 3Drug
Also called fentanyl 2mcg/ml plus bupivacaine 0.625 mg/ml
A basal infusion rate for the PCEA will be set at 8 mL/h with patient administered boluses of 8 mL every 10 minutes and a one hour limit of 32 mL. Breakthrough pain in all groups will be managed using anesthesiologist administered boluses of bupivacaine 1.25 mg/mL without fentanyl.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | Experimental | spinal fentanyl 15 micrograms plus bupivacaine 2.5 mg followed by a patient controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) maintenance infusion of bupivacaine 1mg/mL Receives: Drug: Group 1 |
| Group 2 | Experimental | spinal fentanyl 15 micrograms plus bupivacaine 2.5 mg spinal followed by a PCEA infusion of fentanyl 1 micrograms/mL plus bupivacaine 0.8 mg/mL Receives: Drug: Group 2 |
| Group 3 | Active comparator | spinal fentanyl 15 micrograms plus bupivacaine 2.5mg followed by a PCEA infusion of fentanyl 2 micrograms/mL plus bupivacaine 0.625 mg/mL Receives: Drug: Group 3 |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Breastfeeding at 6 Weeks Post Delivery
Breastfeeding continuing at 6 weeks after delivery of the baby.
Measured: 6 weeks post delivery
Secondary outcomes (1)
Breastfeeding at 3 Months After Delivery
Breastfeeding at 3 months after delivery of baby
Measured: 3 months after delivery
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted24 Feb 2010 (estimated)
- Study startJan 2010
- Primary completionDec 2016
- Study completionDec 2016
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, outcome measures and adverse events reported by the sponsor.
- Publications (5)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Northwestern UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 345 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Northwestern University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Paloma Toledo, Northwestern University
- Investigators
- Paloma Toledo, M.D.,MPH, Principal investigator, Northwestern University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT01074190
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- STU00007275
- Status last verified
- Apr 2022
- First submitted
- 22 Feb 2010
- Last updated
- 5 Apr 2022
- Results posted
- Yes, on ClinicalTrials.gov
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Baumgarder DJ, Muehl P, Fischer M, Pribbenow B. Effect of labor epidural anesthesia on breast-feeding of healthy full-term newborns delivered vaginally. J Am Board Fam Pract. 2003 Jan-Feb;16(1):7-13. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.16.1.7.
PubMed 12583645Riordan J, Gross A, Angeron J, Krumwiede B, Melin J. The effect of labor pain relief medication on neonatal suckling and breastfeeding duration. J Hum Lact. 2000 Feb;16(1):7-12. doi: 10.1177/089033440001600103.
PubMed 11138228Rahm VA, Hallgren A, Hogberg H, Hurtig I, Odlind V. Plasma oxytocin levels in women during labor with or without epidural analgesia: a prospective study. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2002 Nov;81(11):1033-9. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0412.2002.811107.x.
PubMed 12421171Beilin Y, Bodian CA, Weiser J, Hossain S, Arnold I, Feierman DE, Martin G, Holzman I. Effect of labor epidural analgesia with and without fentanyl on infant breast-feeding: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Anesthesiology. 2005 Dec;103(6):1211-7. doi: 10.1097/00000542-200512000-00016.
PubMed 16306734Jensen D, Wallace S, Kelsay P. LATCH: a breastfeeding charting system and documentation tool. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 1994 Jan;23(1):27-32. doi: 10.1111/j.1552-6909.1994.tb01847.x.
PubMed 8176525
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 5 Apr 2022. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Neuraxial Analgesia on Maternal Breastfeeding
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT01074190
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- STU00007275
- Conditions
- Pain, Breastfeeding
- Keywords
- Epidural Labor Analgesia, Pain, Infant, Breastfeeding
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 345 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Northwestern UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Jan 2010
- Primary completion
- Dec 2016 (actual)
- Study completion
- Dec 2016 (actual)
- First posted
- 24 Feb 2010 (estimated)
- Results
- Posted 5 Apr 2022
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
A previous randomized trial showed a possible negative association with labor neuraxial analgesia with high compared to low doses of fentanyl, and breastfeeding at 6 weeks postpartum. The significance of this study would be to validate or refute these findings. In addition, we hope to better evaluate the impact of cumulative dose of fentanyl on breastfeeding success in the initial postpartum period as well as at 6 weeks and 6 months post delivery. In order to better assess the quality of breastfeeding, we will utilize a validated breastfeeding assessment tool, LATCH (Latch, Audible swallowing, Type of Nipple, Comfort, and Help). This validated tool can assess maternal and infant variables, define areas of needed intervention, and determine priorities in providing patient teaching. The LATCH assessment has been shown to be a predictor of breastfeeding duration. We also plan to vary the dosage of fentanyl analgesia to determine the relationship between doses below 150 micrograms and changes in breastfeeding assessments. If a clear association between decreased breastfeeding and total fentanyl is identified, then regimens to reduce cumulative doses of fentanyl can be developed to improve the likelihood of breastfeeding success in mothers that desire to breastfeed.
Prior observational studies have inferred epidurals negatively affect breastfeeding by decreasing maternal plasma oxytocin release which may adversely affect infant neurobehavioral development. In a study by Beilin et al., it was reported that mothers receiving a high cumulative dose (> 150 microgram) epidural fentanyl were more likely to have stopped nursing 6 weeks postpartum compared with groups receiving no fentanyl or those receiving < 150 microgram. The study however, was underpowered to detect differences in breastfeeding prior to hospital discharge. In addition, the breastfeeding assessment tool utilized resulted in binary assessments, and therefore, a global rating of the quality of breastfeeding was not available.
Detailed description
Participants in this study will be asked to complete a questionnaire called the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI).
Subjects will be randomized at the time they request neuraxial analgesia to one of three groups: Group 1: patient controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) with bupivacaine 1mg/mL; Group 2: PCEA with fentanyl 1 mcg/mL plus bupivacaine 0.8 mg/mL; Group 3: PCEA with fentanyl 2 mcg/mL plus bupivacaine 0.625 mg/mL. Labor analgesia will be initiated in all groups using fentanyl 15 mcg plus bupivacaine 2.5 mg administered intrathecally. A basal infusion rate for the PCEA will be set at 8 mL/h with patient administered boluses of 8 mL every 10 minutes and a one hour limit of 32 mL. Breakthrough pain in all groups will be managed using anesthesiologist administered boluses of bupivacaine 1.25 mg/mL without fentanyl.
The patient as well as individuals who evaluate the study patient will be blinded to the group assignment. Samples of maternal venous blood ½ teaspoon (2 mls) and cord blood 2ml (1/2 teaspoon) will be collected after the delivery of the fetus. Blood concentrations of fentanyl and bupivacaine will be ascertained using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Success of breastfeeding using the LATCH assessment tool will be measured by the lactation nurses within 24 hrs of delivery. At 6 weeks and at 3 months postpartum, follow-up phone calls by the anesthesia service will be made to assess for duration of breastfeeding. Also, the patient's obstetrician will be contacted to obtain the patient's Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score to assess for postpartum depression, which may be a variable in decreasing breastfeeding success.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | Experimental | Drug: Group 1spinal fentanyl 15 micrograms plus bupivacaine 2.5 mg followed by a patient controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) maintenance infusion of bupivacaine 1mg/mL |
| Group 2 | Experimental | Drug: Group 2spinal fentanyl 15 micrograms plus bupivacaine 2.5 mg spinal followed by a PCEA infusion of fentanyl 1 micrograms/mL plus bupivacaine 0.8 mg/mL |
| Group 3 | Active comparator | Drug: Group 3spinal fentanyl 15 micrograms plus bupivacaine 2.5mg followed by a PCEA infusion of fentanyl 2 micrograms/mL plus bupivacaine 0.625 mg/mL |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Age 18 and above
- English speaking
- Term gestation (> 38 weeks)
- Parous parturients presenting for attempted vaginal delivery with a cervical dilation less than 8 cm
- They must request neuraxial labor analgesia
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Under 18 years of age
- Parturients who have received parental opioids during labor or have taken opioids prenatally
- Patients whose neuraxial analgesia failed due to abnormal spinal anatomy including scoliosis or previous spinal instrumentation
- Supplemental epidural opioids during labor
- Had an expedited labor with the delivery of the fetus less than 90 minutes from the placement of the neuraxial anesthestic
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1Also: bupivacaine 1mg/mlA basal infusion rate for the PCEA will be set at 8 mL/h with patient administered boluses of 8 mL every 10 minutes and a one hour limit of 32 mL. Breakthrough pain in all groups will be managed using anesthesiologist administered boluses of bupivacaine 1.25 mg/mL without fentanyl. | Drug | Group 1 |
| Group 2Also: fentanyl 1mcg/ml plus bupivacaine 0.8 mg/mlA basal infusion rate for the PCEA will be set at 8 mL/h with patient administered boluses of 8 mL every 10 minutes and a one hour limit of 32 mL. Breakthrough pain in all groups will be managed using anesthesiologist administered boluses of bupivacaine 1.25 mg/mL without fentanyl. | Drug | Group 2 |
| Group 3Also: fentanyl 2mcg/ml plus bupivacaine 0.625 mg/mlA basal infusion rate for the PCEA will be set at 8 mL/h with patient administered boluses of 8 mL every 10 minutes and a one hour limit of 32 mL. Breakthrough pain in all groups will be managed using anesthesiologist administered boluses of bupivacaine 1.25 mg/mL without fentanyl. | Drug | Group 3 |
Primary outcome
Breastfeeding at 6 Weeks Post Delivery
Time frame: 6 weeks post delivery
Breastfeeding continuing at 6 weeks after delivery of the baby.
1 secondary outcome
Breastfeeding at 3 Months After Delivery
Time frame: 3 months after delivery
Results and safety
Loading the posted results from ClinicalTrials.gov…
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 5 Apr 2022.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, baseline, all outcome measures and adverse events.
- Background: PubMed 12583645Baumgarder DJ, Muehl P, Fischer M, Pribbenow B. Effect of labor epidural anesthesia on breast-feeding of healthy full-term newborns delivered vaginally. J Am Board Fam Pract. 2003 Jan-Feb;16(1):7-13. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.16.1.7.
- Background: PubMed 11138228Riordan J, Gross A, Angeron J, Krumwiede B, Melin J. The effect of labor pain relief medication on neonatal suckling and breastfeeding duration. J Hum Lact. 2000 Feb;16(1):7-12. doi: 10.1177/089033440001600103.
- Background: PubMed 12421171Rahm VA, Hallgren A, Hogberg H, Hurtig I, Odlind V. Plasma oxytocin levels in women during labor with or without epidural analgesia: a prospective study. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2002 Nov;81(11):1033-9. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0412.2002.811107.x.
- Background: PubMed 16306734Beilin Y, Bodian CA, Weiser J, Hossain S, Arnold I, Feierman DE, Martin G, Holzman I. Effect of labor epidural analgesia with and without fentanyl on infant breast-feeding: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Anesthesiology. 2005 Dec;103(6):1211-7. doi: 10.1097/00000542-200512000-00016.
- Background: PubMed 8176525Jensen D, Wallace S, Kelsay P. LATCH: a breastfeeding charting system and documentation tool. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 1994 Jan;23(1):27-32. doi: 10.1111/j.1552-6909.1994.tb01847.x.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Paloma Toledo, M.D.,MPH principal investigator
Northwestern University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3 in people with Pain and Breastfeeding, run by Northwestern University at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 5 Apr 2022. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 5 Apr 2022). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Breastfeeding at 6 Weeks Post Delivery (time frame: 6 weeks post delivery). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT01074190, which also lists 5 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 5 Apr 2022.