The Role of Catechol O Methyl Transferase Gene Variants in Modulating Labor Analgesia and anxiety—A Prospective Observational Study

2026-07-03T10:58:00Z

The Role of Catechol O Methyl Transferase Gene Variants in Modulating Labor Analgesia and anxiety—A Prospective Observational Study Shreedevi Kori . Vinithira Sri G V, Shivanand L. Karigar · Gurushantappa S. Kadakol · Rajasri Yaliwal · Neelamma Patil · Aruna Biradar Background Women experiencing labor pain undergo significant psychological and physiological challenges, often leading to increased rates of cesarean sections. Epidural analgesia has proven effective in managing labor pain, but its efficacy varies among individuals, partly due to genetic differences, including variations in the COMT gene, which influences pain perception pathways. Methodology Fifty-three hospitalized patients provided informed consent to participate in this study. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected in EDTA tubes for DNA isolation and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis to investi gate COMT gene polymorphisms. Epidural analgesia (Fentanyl with Ropivacaine) was administered upon reaching regular uterine contractions and cervical dilation of 4–5 cm. Pain and anxiety levels were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and State Anxiety Inventory (SAI) at predetermined intervals post-administration. Data analysis focused on exploring associations between COMT gene variants and outcomes related to pain perception and anxiety during labor. Results Of the 53 participants, 35 were homozygous for the wild-type genotype (Val/Val). Approximately 33.9% displayed COMT gene polymorphisms: 14 women were heterozygous (Met/Val) and 4 were homozygous for the Met allele (Met/Met). Women with the Met/Met and Met/Val genotypes reported significantly higher scores on the State Anxiety Inventory (SAI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) compared to those with the Val/Val genotype (p < 0.005). These women also required more supplementary analgesia during labor. Conclusion The presence of the Val158Met mutation in the COMT gene correlates with increased labor anxiety and reduced effec tiveness of analgesia in pregnant women. Understanding the genetic factors influencing pain perception could improve analgesic strategies tailored to specific genetic profiles, potentially promoting higher rates of vaginal deliveries and better birth experiences for women. Further research into genetic markers of labor analgesia is crucial for refining pain management approaches in obstetrics.

Successful management of uterine arteriovenous malformation causing post abortal bleeding: A rare case report

2026-06-25T04:25:48Z

Successful management of uterine arteriovenous malformation causing post abortal bleeding: A rare case report Neelamma Patil, Devangam Nikhila, Gurubasava Sajjana, Santosh Arakeri, Shobha Shiragur and Syeda Atufiyat Amreen

Chlorhexidine-alcohol versus Povidone iodine plus Alcohol as Preoperative Antiseptic for Prevention of Surgical Site Infection in Caesarean Section: A Randomised Controlled Trial

2026-06-05T03:52:40Z

Chlorhexidine-alcohol versus Povidone iodine plus Alcohol as Preoperative Antiseptic for Prevention of Surgical Site Infection in Caesarean Section: A Randomised Controlled Trial SHRAVANTHI SWAMY1, ARUNA M BIRADAR2, EKTA CHHABRA3, SHAILAJA RAJENDRA BIDRI4, NEELAMMA PATIL5, SHREEDEVI KORI6, SHILPA LAKSHMI7, PREETHI MALAPURE8

Pregnancy with medical disorders: A prospective clinical study at a tertiary care hospital

2026-06-03T10:43:32Z

Pregnancy with medical disorders: A prospective clinical study at a tertiary care hospital Monika Kanni, Aruna M Biradar, Neelamma Patil, Shreedevi Kori, Laxmi Sangolli and Preeti Malapure

Faculty of OBG

The Role of Catechol O Methyl Transferase Gene Variants in Modulating Labor Analgesia and anxiety—A Prospective Observational Study

Successful management of uterine arteriovenous malformation causing post abortal bleeding: A rare case report

Chlorhexidine-alcohol versus Povidone iodine plus Alcohol as Preoperative Antiseptic for Prevention of Surgical Site Infection in Caesarean Section: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Pregnancy with medical disorders: A prospective clinical study at a tertiary care hospital