BACKGROUND:
Women receiving epidural analgesia during labor often experience decreased bladder sensation and impaired urination, leading to urinary retention. For women undergoing epidural analgesia until delivery, intermittent bladder emptying is considered more appropriate than continuous catheterization. The most critical risk factor for urinary tract infection (UTI) is prolonged use of a urinary catheter, with the duration of catheterization being the most significant danger.

OBJECTIVES:
This study explored the impact of intermittent versus continuous catheterization on delivery outcomes and the incidence of UTIs

METHODS:
A systematic literature review was conducted, yielding 96 studies. Following the PRISMA screening process, 4 studies were included. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (RoB) was used to assess and synthesize the quality of evidence. Data analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software.

RESULTS:
A meta-analysis of 3 studies comparing vaginal delivery rates between intermittent and continuous catheterization showed a higher rate of vaginal delivery in the continuous catheterization group (OR = 1.56 [1.04, 2.34]; p = 0.03). Among the 4 studies comparing cesarean section rates, moderate heterogeneity was observed (I² = 59%), and the pooled analysis revealed no significant difference between catheterization methods (OR = 1.25 [0.63, 2.50]; p = 0.06). Similarly, the meta-analysis of 3 studies comparing UTI rates found no significant difference between the two catheterization methods.

CONCLUSIONS:
Although clinical findings do not favor either catheterization method, the choice between intermittent and continuous catheterization during labor to prevent urinary retention should consider the expectations and preferences of the birthing woman.

KEY MESSAGE:
Epidural analgesia, continuous catheterization, intermittent catheterization, mode of delivery, urinary tract infection Poster session 3 (Group B)