This is a prospective observational study conducted at the University Hospital of Padua. The goal is to identify ultrasound markers that can help predict whether placing an epidural catheter during labor will be difficult. Pregnant women who request epidural analgesia will undergo a quick ultrasound scan of their lower back before the procedure. The study will collect information such as age, weight, height, and spinal anatomy, as well as ultrasound measurements. This information will be compared with how easy or difficult it was to place the epidural. The study does not involve any experimental treatment and uses standard care procedures already in place. There are no additional risks or costs for participants.
Pregnant women aged ≥18 years Candidates for epidural catheter placement for labor analgesia Provided written informed consent
None
The study population consists of adult pregnant women (≥18 years old) admitted to the Labor and Delivery Unit at the University Hospital of Padua who are candidates for epidural catheter placement for labor analgesia. All participants must provide written informed consent. No specific exclusion criteria apply.
Cohort
Prospective
epidural catheter
Procedure/SurgeryEpidural catheter placement for labor analgesia
spine ultrasonography
Procedure/SurgeryAn ultrasound scan will be performed on the spine to identify anatomical characteristics of potential interest
Incidence of Difficulty of epidural catheter placement
Defined as the need for more than one puncture attempt (exiting the skin with the needle) or the involvement of a second operator to successfully place the epidural catheter.
Number of puncture attempts
Number of attempts required to successfully insert the epidural catheter.
(Predictor of difficult Epidural) Distance from skin to spinous process at epidural placement level
The distance measured in cm between the skin surface and the spinous process at the intended epidural insertion site, assessed using ultrasound scanning.
(Predictor of difficult Epidural) Distance between spinous processes
Measured in centimeters by ultrasound to assess interspinous space width.
(Predictor of difficult Epidural) Distance from skin to transverse process
Measured in centimeters by ultrasound to assess distance between skin and transverse process.
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