Blood bupivacaine levels in standard and segmental epidural blockade in obstetrics.

A statistically significant reduction in maternal blood bupivacaine levels could be achieved by using a segmental epidural blockade and lower concentrations of bupivacaine. Since bupivacaine has certain potential disadvantages for the mother and the fetus, its dosage should be kept as low as possible. Significantly lower blood levels without loss of analgesic quality are obtainable by using segmental epidural blockade and a lower concentration of bupivacaine.