PainRelief.com Interview with:
Prof. Bernd Froessler MD, PhD, FANZCA
Department of Anaesthesia
Lyell McEwin Hospital
Clinical Professor
Discipline of Acute Care Medicine
University of Adelaide
PainRelief.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Nitrous oxide (N2O) is commonly used in Australia for labour analgesia. Its use in labour is potentially associated with aerosol generation. During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, nitrous oxide was suspended on many birthing units to reduce the risk of transmission. This 19-day sudden disruption period at our hospital provided a ‘natural experiment’ and opportunity to re-evaluate the role and need for N2O, with the aim to determine the impact of withdrawing N2O on labour analgesia use and maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Last Updated on August 21, 2022 by PainRelief.com