Optimal Interval for Intermittent Epidural Bolus with Ropivacaine-Dexmedetomidine Using the Epidural Dural Puncture Technique for Labour Analgesia: A Coin Bias Up-Down Study

For DPE labor analgesia using 8 mL of 0.075% ropivacaine combined with 0.4 μg/mL dexmedetomidine, the optimal PIEB interval is approximately 35 min. This interval can reduce breakthrough pain and the need for rescue analgesia. This finding provides a practical, evidence-based reference for optimizing PIEB regimens in clinical labor analgesia, contributing to improved maternal comfort and labor experience while ensuring safety.