Influencing factors of intrapartum fever after epidural labor analgesia.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate factors influencing intrapartum fever in parturients receiving epidural labor analgesia.

METHODS

This study included 410 parturients who received epidural labor analgesia at the authors' hospital between February 2022 and February 2024. Participants were divided into a fever group (>37.5℃) and a control group (<37.5℃) based on their body temperature post-analgesia. General data, gestational comorbidities, and intrapartum-related conditions were compared. Influencing factors were analyzed using the chi-squared test and logistic regression.

RESULTS

Intrapartum fever occurred in 90 parturients (22.0%). Univariate analysis indicated that maternal age (p=0.046), parity (p=0.042), oxytocin use (p=0.041), and timing of analgesia (p<0.001) were associated with intrapartum fever. Multivariate analysis revealed that the timing of analgesia (OR 3.612, 95%CI 1.533-8.510) and amniotic fluid contamination degrees I (OR 1.072, 95%CI 1.012-3.082) and II (OR 2.874, 95%CI 1.901-9.092) were independent risk factors. No significant differences were found between the fever and control groups in body mass index, gestational age, gestational comorbidities, and artificial membrane rupture (p>0.05). Intrapartum fever increased the rate of neonatal fever within 2 h after birth (41.7 vs 18.6%, p<0.05) but did not significantly affect other neonatal health indicators.

CONCLUSION

Timing of analgesia and amniotic fluid contamination are significant factors influencing intrapartum fever in parturients receiving epidural labor analgesia.