Antepartum Chronic Epidural Therapy (ACET) to Improve Blood Flow to the Uterus, Placenta and Baby in Pre-Eclampsia and Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Summary

Pre-eclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are common and important disorders of pregnancy. Both disorders are associated with an impairment of uteroplacental blood flow (UPBF). No effective therapy has been identified to reliably improve UPBF in these patients and typically, obstetric management involves interventional delivery, particularly problematic when remote from term. This study assess the hypothesis that epidural local anesthetics may improve UPBF in these patients.

Timeline

Start

2003-08

Primary completion

2006-12

Completion

2006-12

Publications

• Ginosar Y, Nadjari M, Hoffman A, Firman N, Davidson EM, Weiniger CF, Rosen L, Weissman C, Elchalal U; ACET study group. Antepartum continuous epidural ropivacaine therapy reduces uterine artery vascular resistance in pre-eclampsia: a randomized, dose-ranging, placebo-controlled study. Br J Anaesth. 2009 Mar;102(3):369-78. doi: 10.1093/bja/aen402. Epub 2009 Jan 27.

Drugs

Indications