Progress in the research on the inflammatory mechanism of epidural-related maternal fever

Maternal fever in labor is a complication with complicated mechanisms, and plays an important role in delivery outcome and infant prognosis. A great number of clinical studies have found the relationship between epidural analgesia and maternal fever in labor. Recent researches show that the possibility of the non-infectious mechanism of epidural-related maternal fever (ERMF). This review is designed to introduce the research progress in ERMF-related inflammatory mechanism through summarizing the current findings regarding the physical changes of pregnancy and labor, systemic and local inflammation, epidural analgesia and triggers of inflammation. A better understanding of ERMF mechanism is helpful to improve the clinical diagnosis and treatment of maternal fever in labor and allow a better outcome of both mothers and babies. Key words: Epidural analgesia; Maternal; Fever; Inflammation