Nitrous oxide for relief of labor pain: A systematic review

• Published in: American journal of obstetrics and gynecology Vol. 186; no. 5; pp. S110 - S126
• Main Author: Rosen, Mark A.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia, PA Mosby, Inc 01.05.2002; Elsevier
• Subjects: Administration, Inhalation; Analgesia, Obstetrical - methods; Analgesics; Biological and medical sciences; Delivery. Postpartum. Lactation; Equipment Contamination; Female; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; labor analgesia; Medical sciences; Neuropharmacology; Nitrous oxide; Nitrous Oxide - administration & dosage; Nitrous Oxide - adverse effects; Nitrous Oxide - therapeutic use; Obstetrical techniques; Occupational Exposure; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; labor analgesia; Nitrous oxide; Human; Health staff; Toxicity; Treatment efficiency; Bibliographic survey; Labor; Evidence-based medicine; Inhalation; Metaanalysis; Chemotherapy; Pain; Nitric oxide; Secondary effect; Indoor pollution; Female; Application method; Delivery
• ISSN: 0002-9378; 1097-6868
• DOI: 10.1016/S0002-9378(02)70186-5

A systematic review was conducted to determine the efficacy and safety of nitrous oxide for labor analgesia. Eleven randomized controlled trials with adequate control groups and outcome assessment by parturients during or shortly after the intervention were used to determine efficacy. To determine adverse outcome, descriptions found in 8 controlled trials and in 8 observational studies were included. A nonsystematic review of studies on occupational exposure was also conducted. Nitrous oxide is not a potent labor analgesic, but it is safe for parturient women, their newborns, and health care workers in attendance during its administration. It appears to provide adequately effective analgesia for many women. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;186:S110-26.)