The outcome of preterm neonates with intraventricular hemorrhage delivered with intravenous meperidine or epidural analgesia

We aimed to study, retrospectively, the neonatal outcome of 45 preterm neonates with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) who were delivered vaginally with intravenous meperidine (n = 23) or epidural analgesia (n = 22). Neonates in the epidural group had a better outcome in terms of a first-minute Apgar score of 7 or less, in 31% vs 69% (P = 0.001); 5-min Apgar score of 7 or less, in 18% vs 82% (P = 0.003); a lower incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS; 23% vs 30%; P = 0.03); a lower dopamine requirement during the first neonatal week (13% vs 72%; P = 0.01); and a higher survival rate (91% vs 58%, respectively; P = 0.008). It is concluded that preterm neonates with IVH had a better outcome when delivered to mothers receiving epidural analgesia as compared to those receiving intravenous meperidine.