Association of epidural analgesia in labor with neurodevelopmental outcomes in premature infants born at <29 weeks of gestational age

Abstract

Objective: To explore associations between epidural administration to mothers in labor with neurodevelopmental outcomes at 3 years corrected age in preterm infants born <29 weeks gestational age.

Study design: Infants born <29 weeks gestational age between 2006 and 2012 were included. Our primary outcome was a composite of death or neurodevelopmental impairment at 3 years corrected age. Infants were divided into those whose mothers did or did not receive epidural analgesia in labor. Univariable and multivariable regression was used for analysis.

Results: There were 548 infants in the no epidural analgesia group and 121 in the epidural analgesia group. The adjusted odds ratio (95%CI) of neurodevelopmental impairment or death in the epidural group was 1.25 (0.82-1.93). Propensity score-matched results were 1.32 (0.79-2.22).

Conclusion: Preterm infants born <29 weeks gestational age to mothers who received epidural analgesia during labor were not associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes at 3 years corrected age.