Excessive fibrinolysis detected with thromboelastography in a case of amniotic fluid embolism: fibrinolysis may precede coagulopathy.

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a catastrophic condition in the peripartum period and still remains as a leading cause of maternal death. Although over 80% of cases of AFE cases are accompanied by coagulopathy, the pathology of disseminated intravascular coagulation is not well understood not only because of its rarity but also because of the limited availability of laboratory testing in emergent clinical settings. We describe a case of AFE whose characteristic data for coagulation and fibrinolysis were timely depicted with sequential thromboelastography. We believe that the point-of-care, which provides information for both coagulopathy and fibrinolysis, may provide crucial data not only for the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage in daily clinical practice but also for the elucidation of AFE pathophysiology.

Average and time-specific maternal prenatal inflammatory biomarkers and the risk of labor epidural associated fever.

BACKGROUND: The use of labor epidural analgesia has been associated with intrapartum fever, known as labor epidural associated fever (LEAF). LEAF is most commonly non-infectious in origin and associated with elevated inflammatory cytokines. METHODS: The LIFECODES pregnancy cohort was designed to prospectively collect data to evaluate the association of maternal inflammatory biomarkers with preterm birth in women who delivered between 2007 and 2008 at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Our secondary analysis of the data from the cohort identified 182 women for whom inflammatory biomarkers (i.e. interleukin-10, interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and C-reactive protein) collected longitudinally over four prenatal visits was available. Maternal temperature and other clinical variables were abstracted from medical records. The primary outcome, the presence of LEAF, was defined as oral temperature ≥ 38°C (≥100.4°F) after epidural analgesia initiation. Multivariable logistic regression estimated the association between inflammatory biomarker concentrations and the odds of developing an intrapartum fever after adjusting for a number of potential confounders. RESULTS: Women who developed LEAF were more likely to have a longer duration of epidural analgesia, whereas women who did not develop LEAF were more likely to have induced labor and positive or unknown Group B Streptococcus colonization status. However, no differences were seen by nulliparity, mode of delivery, white blood cell count at admission, baseline temperature, length of rupture of membranes and number of cervical exams performed during labor. Unadjusted and multivariable logistic regression models did not provide evidence for or exclude an association between individual maternal inflammatory biomarkers and the odds of developing LEAF, regardless of visit time-period. CONCLUSION: The predictive value of maternal inflammatory biomarkers measured during early- and mid-pregnancy for the risk of developing LEAF cannot be excluded.

Maternal hemoglobin concentrations across pregnancy and maternal and child health: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Maternal anemia is a well-recognized global health problem; however, there remain questions on specific hemoglobin (Hb) thresholds that predict health risk or protection for mother and child. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the associations of maternal Hb concentrations with a range of maternal and infant health outcomes, accounting for the timing of measurement (preconception, and first, second, and third trimesters), etiology of anemia, and cutoff category. The systematic review included 272 studies and the meta-analysis included 95 studies. Low maternal Hb (<110 g/L) was associated with poor birth outcomes (low birth weight, preterm birth, small-for-gestational-age (SGA), stillbirth, and perinatal and neonatal mortality) and adverse maternal outcomes (postpartum hemorrhage, preeclampsia, and blood transfusion). High maternal Hb (>130 g/L) was associated with increased odds of SGA, stillbirth, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. Relationships varied by the timing of measurement and cutoff category (stronger associations with lower cutoffs); limited data were available on anemia etiology. There were insufficient data for other maternal outcomes and long-term child health outcomes. Current data are insufficient for determining if revisions to current Hb cutoffs are required. Pooled high-quality individual-level data analyses, as well as prospective cohort studies, would be valuable to inform the reevaluation of Hb cutoffs.

Bloody amniotic fluid during labor - Prevalence, and association with placental abruption, neonatal morbidity, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To study the association between bloody amniotic fluid (BAF) during labor and adverse pregnancy outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: In the last 10 years we have implemented an institutional protocol that mandates obstetricians/midwives to report their subjective impression of the color of amniotic fluid (clear, meconium stained, bloody) during labor. The medical records, and neonatal charts of all singleton deliveries ≥ 370/7 weeks between 2008-2018 were reviewed. The cohort was divided into two groups: clear AF (Clear group) and BAF (BAF group). Cases with meconium stained AF were excluded. The primary outcome was a composite of the following complications: umbilical Ph ≤ 7.1, seizures, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, intra-ventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, mechanical ventilation, meconium aspiration syndrome, RDS, NEC, phototherapy, sepsis, or transfusion. RESULTS: Overall, 21,300 deliveries were reviewed, 20,983 (98.5%) in the Clear group and 317 (1.5%) in the BAF group. The rate of the primary outcome did not differ between the BAF (2.2%) and the Clear (2.1%) groups. The rate of placental abruption (both clinically and hystopathologically) did not differ between the groups (3.2% vs. 1.9% and 1.6% vs. 0.6%, respectively). BAF was associated with higher rates of labor induction (p = 0.002), assisted vaginal deliveries (p = 0.04), cesarean deliveries (p = 0.03), and lower birth weights (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: BAF observed in labor was not associated with composite adverse neonatal outcome, nor with placental abruption. BAF was associated with higher rates of labor induction, assisted vaginal deliveries, cesarean deliveries, and lower birth weights. These findings may assist obstetricians and neonatologists in the interpretation of BAF observed in labor.

Added value of non-criteria antiphospholipid antibodies for antiphospholipid syndrome: lessons learned from year-long routine measurements.

The international classification criteria for definite antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) include three laboratory measurements: lupus anticoagulant (LA), IgG and IgM isotypes of anti-cardiolipin (aCL) and anti-ß2glycoprotein I antibodies (anti-ß2GPI). When persistently elevated, they are specific for APS; however, many patients that fulfil clinical criteria may exhibit negative serological results. These "seronegative" APS (SN-APS) are exposed to an increased thrombotic risk. The aims of our cross-sectional, retrospective study of consecutive autoimmune patients' samples were to evaluate the association of non-criteria antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) with thrombosis and obstetric events, to calculate the risk score for adverse events and to assess the specific contribution of single aPL positivity in SN-APS. LA, aCL, anti-ß2GPI and anti-phosphatidylserine/prothrombin antibodies (aPS/PT) of IgG, IgM, and IgA isotypes were determined in sera of 323 patients with autoimmune disorders. Medical records of all patients were carefully analyzed. aCL, anti-ß2GPI and aPS/PT of IgG and IgA isotypes were significantly associated with thrombosis while none of the IgM aPL showed such association. aPS/PT of all isotypes, aCL and anti-ß2GPI of IgG and IgA isotype showed significant correlation to obstetric events. When considering results of aPS/PT ELISA, we could additionally identify 3% of thrombotic patients and 2% of obstetric patients. Thrombotic and obstetric risk scores were calculated showing significantly higher association to clinical events, as compared to evaluating individual risk factors. aPS/PT could represent an additional biomarker in SN-APS patients. IgA aPL are associated with thrombosis and obstetric complications. Risk scores accounting different aPL and conventional risk factors, better assesses risk for adverse event, as compared to evaluating individual factors alone.

Fibrinogen for the management of critical obstetric hemorrhage.

AIM: In cases of critical obstetric hemorrhage leading to extreme hypofibrinogenemia, fibrinogen is the marker that indicates the critical severity, and early fibrinogen supplementation centering on hemostatic resuscitation is a vital treatment to stabilize a catastrophic condition. In this review, we investigated the effect of fibrinogen level on hemostasis and what we can do to treat hypofibrinogenemia efficiently and improve patients' outcome. METHODS: We reviewed numerous articles related to hypofibrinogenemia in critical obstetric hemorrhage. Especially, we performed a systematic review on target value of fibrinogen for hemostasis and effectiveness of fibrinogen concentrate. We also reviewed the articles about the methods for early normalization of fibrinogen level such as tranexamic acid, massive transfusion protocol, and point-of-care testing. RESULTS: The target value of fibrinogen calculated by needs for massive transfusion was 200 mg/dL or 10 mm of A5FIBTEM . Although fibrinogen concentrate worked poorly on fibrinogen levels within the normal range, it improved the blood fibrinogen levels rapidly when it was administered to critical obstetric hemorrhage patients with serious hypofibrinogenemia. Hence, the volume of FFP transfused could be reduced along with a reduction in the frequency of pulmonary edema due to volume overload. CONCLUSION: The patient group for which fibrinogen concentrate works most effectively is cases with severe hypofibrinogenemia. Further research is required in the light of evidence. The essence of the transfusion algorithm in critical obstetric hemorrhage is to approach the target value for obtaining hemostasis, ensure an accurate and prompt grasp of the severity using point-of-care testing, introduce a massive transfusion protocol and use tranexamic acid.

Collaborative Strategies for Management of Obstetric Hemorrhage.

Obstetric hemorrhage is a significant cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality that requires prompt recognition and collaborative intervention to prevent poor outcomes. Medical and surgical management goals include controlling bleeding, supporting tissue oxygenation and perfusion, and monitoring for coagulopathies and complications.

Coagulopathy In and Outside the Intensive Care Unit.

Coagulopathy is life threatening. Through technologic advances of today, early recognition of the signs and symptoms of coagulopathy and the complicating factors is possible in most settings. By implementing appropriate treatment modalities early, the progression of coagulopathy can be halted, reducing morbidity and mortality.

Red blood cell distribution width as a risk factor for inhospital mortality in obstetric patients admitted to an intensive care unit: a single centre retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has been shown to predict mortality in critically ill patients. To our knowledge, whether or not RDW is associated with clinical outcomes of obstetric patients requiring critical care has not been evaluated. METHODS: This was a single centre, retrospective, observational study of obstetric patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Patients were excluded from the analysis if they had known haematological diseases or recently underwent blood transfusion. Patients who died or were discharged from the ICU within 24 hours of admission were also excluded. Patient clinical characteristics at ICU admission were retrieved from the medical charts. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate OR and 95% CI for inhospital mortality associated with RDW. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to examine the performance of RDW, alone or in combination with the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (APACHE II), in predicting inhospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 376 patients were included in the study. The hospital mortality rate was 5.32%. A significant association was found between baseline RDW levels and hospital mortality (OR per per cent increase in RDW, 1.31; 95% CI 1.15 to 1.49). Further adjustment for haematocrit and other potential confounders did not appreciably alter the result (p<0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) for inhospital mortality based on RDW was similar to that based on the APACHE II score (0.752 vs 0.766). A combination of these two factors resulted in substantial improvement in risk prediction, with an AUC value of 0.872 (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that RDW is an independent predictor for inhospital mortality among ICU admitted obstetric patients. Combining RDW and APACHE II score could significantly improve inhospital prognostic prediction among these critically ill obstetric patients.

Síndrome de Sheehan agudo / Acute Sheehan`s syndrome

El síndrome de Sheehan se caracteriza por necrosis de la glándula hipofisaria tras un parto hemorrágico cursando con hipovolemia. Su frecuencia ha disminuido debido a la mejoría en el manejo de las complicaciones hemodinámicas que ocurren en el parto y postparto. La destrucción de las células hipofisarias cursa con grados variables de hipopituitarismo. Debe ser considerado en la evaluación postparto de pacientes con inestabilidad hemodinámica (AU)

Sheehan syndrome is characterize by necrosis of the pituitary gland after hemorrhagic labor with hypovolemia. Its frecuecy has decreased due to the improvement in the management of the hemodynamic complications that occur in childbirth and postpartum. Destruction of pituitary cells is associated with varying degrres of hypopituitarism. It should be considered in the postpartum evaluation of patients with hemodynamic instability (AU)

A joint Bayesian approach for the analysis of response measured at a primary endpoint and longitudinal measurements.

Joint mixed modeling is an attractive approach for the analysis of a scalar response measured at a primary endpoint and longitudinal measurements on a covariate. In the standard Bayesian analysis of these models, measurement error variance and the variance/covariance of random effects are a priori modeled independently. The key point is that these variances cannot be assumed independent given the total variation in a response. This article presents a joint Bayesian analysis in which these variance terms are a priori modeled jointly. Simulations illustrate that analysis with multivariate variance prior in general lead to reduced bias (smaller relative bias) and improved efficiency (smaller interquartile range) in the posterior inference compared with the analysis with independent variance priors.

Clinical significance of fasting plasma glucose in patients with normal 50-g glucose challenge test in pregnancy: Is 100 bigger than 92?

The present study aimed to analyse the perinatal outcomes in patients with normal 50-g Glucose Challenge Test but who are considered retrospectively to have gestational diabetes mellitus based on elevated fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels according to recent criteria. The study was conducted between January 2010 and December 2014 to identify patients with FPG values >92 mg/dl and GCT values <130 mg/dl. The patients were divided into two groups: those with FPG values between 92 and 99 mg/dl (Group 1) and those with FPG values >99 mg/dl (Group 2). The rate of obstetric complications was similar in the three groups, except for a higher rate of preeclampsia in Group 2 than in the control group (8.3% versus 3.1%; p = 0.031). The rate of large for gestational age neonates in Group 2 was 15%, which was higher than the rate in Group 1 (5.5%) and control group (7.4%) (p = 0.046 and p = 0.047, respectively). The rate of neonatal intensive care unit admissions in Group 2 was 11.7%, which was higher than the rate in Group 1 (3.1%) and in the control group (2.4%). Our findings indicate that there is a clinically recognisable difference in perinatal outcomes when a threshold of 100 mg/dl is used for FPG instead of 92 mg/dl.

Potential impact of maternal vitamin D status on obstetric well-being.

Despite its discovery 100 years ago, vitamin D (VD) has emerged as one of the most controversial nutrients and prohormones of the 21st century. In the past few years, a growing interest in VD has been observed in the biomedical literature due to evidences demonstrating a relevant relationship not only between regulation of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, but also multiple disease states and low VD status in the population. Indeed, several studies carried out to decipher its role in the body in almost every cell, tissue, and different organs. Recent findings suggested a significant implication of VD in different physiologic processes , such as vascular health, immune function, metabolism, and placental function. In the attempt to focus the attention on effect of VD on female reproductive health, there has been a paucity of data from randomized controlled trials to establish clear beneficial. Human and animal data suggest that low VD status is associated with impaired fertility, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Findings from observational studies show higher rates of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and bacterial vaginosis in women with low VD levels. By recent evidences, this review explored the association between maternal VD status and selected effects on maternal, perinatal, and infant health, and the impact of VD supplementation during pregnancy on obstetric well-being.

Protocol for a randomised controlled trial of fetal scalp blood lactate measurement to reduce caesarean sections during labour: the Flamingo trial [ACTRN12611000172909].

BACKGROUND: The rate of caesarean sections around the world is rising each year, reaching epidemic proportions. Although many caesarean sections are performed for concerns about fetal welfare on the basis of abnormal cardiotocography, the majority of babies are shown to be well at birth, meaning that the operation, with its inherent short and long term risks, could have been avoided without compromising the baby's health. Previously, fetal scalp blood sampling for pH estimation was performed in the context of an abnormal cardiotocograph, to improve the identification of babies in need of expedited delivery. This test has largely been replaced by lactate measurement, although its validity is yet to be established through a randomised controlled trial. This study aims to test the hypothesis that the performance of fetal scalp blood lactate measurement for women in labour with an abnormal cardiotocograph will reduce the rate of birth by caesarean section from 38 % to 25 % (a 35 % relative reduction). METHODS/DESIGN: Prospective unblinded randomised controlled trial conducted at a single tertiary perinatal centre. Women labouring with a singleton fetus in cephalic presentation at 37 or more weeks' gestation with ruptured membranes and with an abnormal cardiotocograph will be eligible. Participants will be randomised to one of two groups: fetal monitoring by cardiotocography alone, or cardiotocography augmented by fetal scalp blood lactate analysis. Decisions regarding the timing and mode of delivery will be made by the treating team, in accordance with hospital protocols. The primary study endpoint is caesarean section with secondary outcomes collected from maternal, fetal and neonatal clinical course and morbidities. A cost effectiveness analysis will also be performed. A sample size of 600 will provide 90 % power to detect the hypothesised difference in the proportion of women who give birth by caesarean section. DISCUSSION: This world-first trial is adequately powered to determine the impact of fetal scalp blood lactate measurement on rates of caesarean section. Preventing unnecessary caesarean sections will reduce the health and financial burdens associated with this operation, both in the index and any future pregnancies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12611000172909.

Perineal Injury During Childbirth Increases Risk of Postpartum Depressive Symptoms and Inflammatory Markers.

INTRODUCTION: Perineal lacerations during childbirth affect more than 65% of women in the United States. Little attention has been given to the long-term biologic consequences associated with perineal lacerations or possible associations with postpartum mental health. In this article, we describe the results of a study that explored inflammatory cytokines in women who reported perineal lacerations during childbirth and the relationship with stress and depressive symptoms during the first 6 months postpartum. METHODS: A repeated measures design was used to explore the relationship between varying degrees of perineal lacerations, inflammatory cytokines, postpartum stress, and depressive symptoms in 153 women over 6 months. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and maternal stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale. Plasma was analyzed for proinflammatory (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 beta, interferon gamma) and anti-inflammatory (interleukin 10) cytokines. Levels of cytokines were compared between women with or without varying degrees of injury. RESULTS: A relationship was identified between symptoms of depression and a second-degree or more severe perineal laceration starting at one month postpartum (P = .04) and continuing through 3 months postpartum (P = .03). Similarly, stress symptoms were higher at 3 months postpartum (P = .02). Markers of inflammation were significantly higher among this group, with IL-6 increased at 2 weeks postpartum (P = .02) and remaining elevated through 2 months postpartum (P = .003); there were also significant differences in pro- to anti-inflammatory cytokine ratios out to 6 months postpartum. Regression analysis indicated that second-degree or more severe lacerations accounted for 5.9% of the variance in EPDS score at one month postpartum (P = .024, F = 2.865, t = 2.127), increasing substantially when the one month stress score was included as well. DISCUSSION: This study suggests that perineal lacerations, inflammation, stress, and depressed mood are associated; however, more research is needed to elucidate the actual relationship between inflammation and mental health in women who experience such injuries.

Metabolic Acidemia in Live Births at 35 Weeks of Gestation or Greater.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of metabolic acidemia and assess its association with a variety of obstetric complications in a large cohort of singleton live births at 35 weeks of gestation or greater. METHODS: We analyzed obstetric complications and neonatal outcomes associated with metabolic acidemia in singleton newborns delivered at 35 weeks of gestation or greater. Metabolic acidemia was identified as an umbilical artery pH of less than 7.0 and a base deficit of 12 mmol/L or greater from umbilical cord blood gas analyses performed immediately after delivery. The primary outcome of interest was seizures in the immediate newborn period. RESULTS: Between January 1, 1988, and December 31, 2013, a total of 1,265 (3.9/1,000, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.7-4.1) neonates were identified with metabolic acidemia among 323,027 live births with cord gas analysis. Virtually every recorded obstetric complication was significantly associated with metabolic acidemia. All measures of neonatal morbidity except necrotizing enterocolitis were also significantly increased in the presence of metabolic acidemia. Seizures occurred in 367 of 323,027 (1.1/1,000, 95% CI 1.0-1.3) neonates. Only 19.1% (95% CI 15.2-23.5%) occurred in those with metabolic acidemia. Among the 1,265 with metabolic acidemia, 70 were diagnosed with neonatal seizures, for a prevalence of 5.5% (95% CI 4.3-6.9) in the acidotic group. CONCLUSION: Neonatal acidemia at birth is rare in deliveries occurring at or after 35 weeks of gestation. Seizures occur in less than one in 10 newborns with metabolic acidemia. Approximately 80% of seizures in neonates at this gestational age occur in nonacidemic neonates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Maternal vitamin D status, prolonged labor, cesarean delivery and instrumental delivery in an era with a low cesarean rate.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and adverse labor and delivery outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: We measured serum 25(OH)D at ⩽ 26 weeks gestation in a random subsample of vertex, singleton pregnancies in women who labored (n=2798) from the 12-site Collaborative Perinatal Project (1959 to 1966). We used labor and delivery data to classify cases of adverse outcomes. RESULT: Twenty-four percent of women were vitamin D deficient (25(OH)D <30 nmol l(-1)), and 4.5, 3.3, 1.9 and 7.5% of women had prolonged stage 1 labor, prolonged stage 2 labor, primary cesarean delivery or indicated instrumental delivery, respectively. After adjustment for prepregnancy body mass index, race and study site, 25(OH)D concentrations were not associated with risk of prolonged stage 1 or 2, cesarean delivery or instrumental delivery. CONCLUSION: Maternal vitamin D status at ⩽ 26 weeks was not associated with risk of prolonged labor or operative delivery in an era with a low cesarean rate.

Measurement of maternal cerebral tissue hemoglobin on near-infrared time-resolved spectroscopy in the peripartum period.

AIM: To measure cerebral tissue hemoglobin in uncomplicated and complicated pregnant women during the peripartum period. METHODS: Time-resolved spectroscopy (TRS-20) can measure absolute concentration of oxygenated, deoxygenated, and total tissue hemoglobin based on the transit time of individual photons. Therefore, we used TRS-20 to measured tissue hemoglobin in the hemi-prefrontal lobes of normotensive pregnant women with (n = 51) or without (n = 19) epidural anesthesia, hypertensive pregnant women with pre-eclampsia (n = 10), a pregnant woman with acute onset of hypertension soon after delivery, and a hypertensive woman after hemorrhagic stroke in delivery. RESULTS: Cyclic labor concomitant with intra-abdominal pressure caused synergistic elevation in cerebral tissue hemoglobin. In contrast, epidural anesthesia reduced the amplitude of the cyclic increase of cerebral tissue hemoglobin in normotensive pregnant women. Hypertension in labor due to pre-eclampsia increased the amplitude of synergistic elevation of cerebral tissue hemoglobin caused by cyclic labor and intra-abdominal pressure. A prolonged high basal level of cerebral tissue hemoglobin was observed in a case of acute onset of hypertension soon after delivery. A decrease in cerebral tissue hemoglobin in the hemi-prefrontal lobe was observed in a woman 2 h after the onset of hemorrhagic stroke in labor. CONCLUSIONS: TRS-20 can detect specific changes in maternal cerebral tissue hemoglobin level in response to physiological and pathophysiological changes in delivery. Thus, it represents a promising new conventional tool for maternal cerebral monitoring in the peripartum period.

Regular intermittent bolus provides similar incidence of maternal fever compared with continuous infusion during epidural labor analgesia.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of regular intermittent bolus versus continuous infusion for epidural labor analgesia on maternal temperature and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) level. METHODS: This randomized trial was performed in Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China between October 2012 and February 2014. Either regular intermittent bolus (RIB, n=66) or continuous infusion (CI, n=66) was used for epidural labor analgesia. A bolus dose (10 ml of 0.08% ropivacaine + 0.4 ug·ml-1 sufentanil) was manually administrated once an hour in the RIB group, whereas the same solution was continuously infused at a constant rate of 10 ml·h-1 in the CI group. Maternal tympanic temperature and serum IL-6 level were measured hourly from baseline to one hour post partum. The incidences of fever (>/=38 degree celsius ) were calculated. RESULTS: The incidence of maternal fever was similar between the 2 groups. There was a rising trend in mean temperature over time in both groups, but no statistical difference was detected between the groups at respective time points; maternal serum IL-6 showed similar changes. CONCLUSION: Compared with continuous infusion, regular intermittent bolus presents with the same incidence of maternal fever for epidural labor analgesia. Interleukin-6 elevation could be involved in mean maternal temperature increase.