What do systematic reviews say?

Remifentanil (PCA) vs epidural/CSE

Remifentanil (PCA) showed no clear difference in maternal respiratory depression (< 9, < 8 breaths/min) compared with epidural/CSE (low certainty).

• Patient‐controlled analgesia with remifentanil versus alternative parenteral methods for pain management in labour 2017 · Cochrane Headline outcomes only
  RR 0.91 [0.51, 1.62]
  3 studies · 687 participants
  Low