NOEH study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Neonatal outcome and epidural hyperthermia
IRAS ID
260769
Contact name
Christopher J Mullington
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
8 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
The risk of hyperthermia (body temperature > 38°C) during labour is increased if the expectant mother has an epidural. The risk of hyperthermia is 5% without an epidural and 20% with an epidural. Hyperthermia without an epidural is largely caused by infection but this is not the case with epidural hyperthermia. It is not certain why epidurals cause hyperthermia, but it does appear to be a direct effect of the epidural. Whilst the baby is inside the mother its temperature is directly linked to the mother’s. Thus, if the mother is hyperthermic during labour the baby’s temperature will also be elevated. Body temperature during labour is important because the risk of a baby being born with brain damage is increased if the mother is hyperthermic. It is not known however if this increased risk is caused by the underlying disease process or if it is simply the hyperthermia that is damaging. For example, it is not known if the increased risk of brain damage is confined to babies whose mothers have an infection or if it is also present in cases when the hyperthermia is caused by the epidural.
The aim of this retrospective cohort study is to find out if epidural hyperthermia increases the risk of a baby being born with brain damage. Data will be extracted from the electronic patient records of all deliveries in an eight year period at the study centre. Cases will be divided into four groups according to two factors: the mother’s maximum temperature during labour (≥ 38°C vs. < 38°C) and the method of pain relief (epidural vs. no epidural). The incidence of brain damage in the baby will be compared between the groups.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/LO/0161
Date of REC Opinion
29 Jan 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion