Data collection
ADVERSE EVENTS
Demographic data from the patients were collected at the beginning of the study: age, height, weight, medical and obstetrical history, gestational age. This data was analyzed, and no differences were found between groups (Table Since the beginning of the infusion (15 and 30 min later), and then every 2 h, the following data was recorded: visual analogic scale (VAS: effective analgesia was considered as declaring a mean VAS score less than 4 out of 10), Bromage scale, MRC (medical research council) scale, sensory level. After the completion of the labor process, we recorded total dosage of LA as well as the number of rescue bolus administered by the patient, the lateralization of the sensory level and VAS during expulsive phase. Eventually, we registered the characterization of the expulsive phase (instrumentalization, cesarean rate) as well as the maternal adverse events. We also collected Apgar scale at 1, 5 and 10 min from the birth of the neonate, as well as their blood pH. Finally, we registered parturient satisfaction (total satisfaction: 10 points), which ranges from 0 to 10 points depending on the level of satisfaction expressed.