BACKGROUND: This randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial of 40 patients in early labor was conducted to determine whether a reduction in the total amount of intrathecal levobupivacaine and fentanyl would reduce the incidence of motor blockade and pruritis, respectively. MATERIAL/METHODS: Combined spinal epidural (CSE) analgesia was instituted. Group A (n=20) received 2.5 mg levobupivacaine with 25 microg fentanyl intrathecally while group B (n=20) received half that dose. RESULTS: The duration and quality of spinal analgesia were comparable in the 2 groups. There was a reduced incidence of motor blockade in patients from Group B (P

Keywords: Fentanyl - pharmacology, Analgesia, Obstetrical - adverse effects, Analgesics - pharmacology, Bupivacaine - pharmacology, Double-Blind Method, Fentanyl - pharmacology, Labor, Obstetric, Pain - prevention & control, Pregnancy