The influence of timing on the effectiveness of epidural blood patches in parturients

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines on postdural puncture headache: a consensus report from a multisociety international working group

INTRODUCTION

Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) can follow unintentional dural puncture during epidural techniques or intentional dural puncture during neuraxial procedures such as a lumbar puncture or spinal anesthesia. Evidence-based guidance on the prevention, diagnosis or management of this condition is, however, currently lacking. This multisociety guidance aims to fill this void and provide practitioners with comprehensive information and patient-centric recommendations to prevent, diagnose and manage patients with PDPH.

METHODS

Based on input from committee members and stakeholders, the committee cochairs developed 10 review questions deemed important for the prevention, diagnosis and management of PDPH. A literature search for each question was performed in MEDLINE (Ovid) on 2 March 2022. The results from each search were imported into separate Covidence projects for deduplication and screening, followed by data extraction. Additional relevant clinical trials, systematic reviews and research studies published through March 2022 were also considered for the development of guidelines and shared with contributors. Each group submitted a structured narrative review along with recommendations graded according to the US Preventative Services Task Force grading of evidence. The interim draft was shared electronically, with each collaborator requested to vote anonymously on each recommendation using two rounds of a modified Delphi approach.

RESULTS

Based on contemporary evidence and consensus, the multidisciplinary panel generated 50 recommendations to provide guidance regarding risk factors, prevention, diagnosis and management of PDPH, along with their strength and certainty of evidence. After two rounds of voting, we achieved a high level of consensus for all statements and recommendations. Several recommendations had moderate-to-low certainty of evidence.

CONCLUSIONS

These clinical practice guidelines for PDPH provide a framework to improve identification, evaluation and delivery of evidence-based care by physicians performing neuraxial procedures to improve the quality of care and align with patients' interests. Uncertainty remains regarding best practice for the majority of management approaches for PDPH due to the paucity of evidence. Additionally, opportunities for future research are identified.

Differential efficacy with epidural blood and fibrin patches for the treatment of post-dural puncture headache

BACKGROUND

Accidental dural puncture (ADP) is the most frequent major complication when performing an epidural procedure in obstetrics. Consequently, loss of pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leads to the development of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH), which occurs in 16%-86% of cases. To date, the efficacy of epidural fibrin patches (EFP) has not been evaluated in a controlled clinical trial, nor in comparative studies with epidural blood patches (EBP).

METHODS

The objective of the present study was to compare the efficacy of EFP with respect to EBP for the treatment of refractory accidental PDPH. This prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel, comparative study included 70 puerperal women who received an EBP or EFP (35 in each group) after failure of the conventional analgesic treatment for accidental PDPH in a hospital.

RESULTS

A higher percentage of women with EFP than EBP achieved complete PDPH relief after 2 (97.1% vs. 54.3%) and 12 h (100.0% vs. 65.7%) of the patch injection. The percentage of patients who needed rescue analgesia was significantly lower with EFP after 2 (2.9% vs. 48.6%) and 12 h (0.0% vs. 37.1%). After 24 h, PDPH was resolved in all women who received EFP. The recurrence of PDPH was reported in one woman from the EBP group (2.9%), who subsequently required a second patch. The mean length of hospital stay was significantly lower with EFP (3.9 days) than EBP (5.9 days). Regarding satisfaction, the mean value (Likert scale) was significantly higher with EFP (4.7 vs. 3.0).

CONCLUSIONS

EFP provided better outcomes than EBP for the treatment of obstetric PDPH in terms of efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction.

Risk factors for recurrence of post-dural puncture headache following an epidural blood patch: a retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) occurs in 0.38-6.3% of neuraxial procedures in obstetrics. Epidural blood patch (EBP) is the standard treatment but fails to provide full symptom relief in 4-29% of cases. Knowledge of the risk factors for EBP failure is limited and controversial. This study aimed to identify these risk factors.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study using electronic records of 47920 patients who underwent a neuraxial procedure between 2001 and 2018 in a large maternity hospital in Switzerland. The absence of full symptom relief and the need for further treatment was defined as an EBP failure. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to compare patients with a successful or failed EBP.

RESULTS

We identified 212 patients requiring an EBP. Of these, 55 (25.9%) had a failed EBP. Signs and symptoms of PDPH did not differ between groups. While needle size and multiple pregnancies were risk factors in the univariate analysis, mostly those related to the performance of the EBP remained significant following adjustment. The risk of failure increased when the epidural space was deeper than 5.5 cm (OR 3.08, 95% CI 1.26 to 7.49) and decreased when the time interval between the initial dural puncture and the EBP was >48 h (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.83).

CONCLUSION

Persistence of PDPH following a first EBP is not unusual. Close attention should be given to patients having their EBP performed <48 h following injury and having an epidural space located >5.5 cm depth, as these factors are associated with a failed EBP.

Postpartum complications following neuraxial anaesthesia for obstetric physicians

Neuraxial analgesia and anaesthesia are widely accepted and well-tolerated modes of delivery analgesia, being employed in up to 76% of vaginal deliveries and 94% of caesarean deliveries in the United States.1 A cause of considerable concern for postpartum women, their family and caring health professionals is the occurrence of unexplained postpartum complications, not only for management in the index pregnancy, but the uncertain risk of recurrence in future pregnancies. Complications of neuraxial blocks may impact significantly on the ability of mothers to care for and bond with their newborn. The reported incidence of temporary neurological deficit following obstetric neuraxial blocks is 1 in 3900 procedures, and the risk of permanent neurological harm estimated to be between 1 in 80,000 and 1 in 320,425 procedures.2 Obstetric physicians may be asked to review women with postpartum complications following neuraxial blocks. This article reviews complications that may be seen following neuraxial blocks for delivery.

Accidental dural puncture during epidural blood patch: a narrative review

Whilst performing an epidural blood patch (EBP) to treat post dural-puncture headache following accidental or intentional dural puncture, the risk of a subsequent accidental dural puncture (ADP) is commonly quoted as 1%. However, a recent review reported only three documented cases. It seems likely that this complication is more common than is acknowledged, yet there is a paucity of literature and an absence of any guidance as to how to proceed in practice. This review addresses three unanswered questions regarding ADP during EBP: what is the incidence; what are the immediate clinical consequences; and what is the optimal clinical management? The incidence may reasonably be estimated to be 0.5-1%. Even on large units, this complication will not be experienced by every consultant anaesthetist during their career. It is likely to occur 20-30 times per year in the United Kingdom, and in greater numbers in those countries with higher epidural rates. Immediately re-attempting an EBP at a different level may be a reasonable management approach which has high efficacy, and is without clear evidence of significant harm. However, the limited evidence means that the risks are poorly characterised, and more data may lead to alternative conclusions. There is uncertainty amongst obstetric anaesthetists about how to manage ADP during EBP. More data and pragmatic guidance, which evolves with further evidence, will ensure optimal care for patients suffering this compound iatrogenic complication.

Factors associated with failed epidural blood patch after accidental dural puncture in obstetrics: a prospective, multicentre, international cohort study

BACKGROUND

Epidural blood patch is commonly used for management of post-dural puncture headache after accidental dural puncture. The primary aim was to determine factors associated with failed epidural blood patch.

METHODS

In this prospective, multicentre, international cohort study, parturients ≥18 yr receiving an epidural blood patch for treatment of post-dural puncture headache were included. Failed epidural blood patch was defined as headache intensity numeric rating scale (NRS) score ≥7 in the upright position at 4, 24, or 48 h, or the need for a second epidural blood patch, and complete success by NRS=0 at 0-48 h after epidural blood patch. All others were considered partial success. Multinominal logistic regression was used for statistical analyses with P<0.01 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

In all, 643 women received an epidural blood patch. Complete data to classify failure were available in 591 (91.9%) women. Failed epidural blood patch occurred in 167 (28.3%) patients; 195 (33.0%) were completely successful and 229 (38.7%) partially successful. A total of 126 women (19.8%) received a second epidural blood patch. A statistically significant association with failure was observed in patients with a history of migraine, when the accidental dural puncture occurred between lumbar levels L1/L3 compared with L3/L5 and when epidural blood patch was performed <48 h compared with ≥48 h after accidental dural puncture. In patients having radiological investigations, three intracranial bleeds were diagnosed.

CONCLUSIONS

Failed epidural blood patch occurred in 28.3% of women. Independent modifiable factors associated with failure were higher lumbar level of accidental dural puncture and short interval between accidental dural puncture and epidural blood patch. A history of migraine was associated with a higher risk of second epidural blood patch.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02362828.

Management practices for postdural puncture headache in obstetrics: a prospective, international, cohort study

BACKGROUND

Accidental dural puncture is an uncommon complication of epidural analgesia and can cause postdural puncture headache (PDPH). We aimed to describe management practices and outcomes after PDPH treated by epidural blood patch (EBP) or no EBP.

METHODS

Following ethics committee approval, patients who developed PDPH after accidental dural puncture were recruited from participating countries and divided into two groups, those receiving EBP or no EBP. Data registered included patient and procedure characteristics, headache symptoms and intensity, management practices, and complications. Follow-up was at 3 months.

RESULTS

A total of 1001 patients from 24 countries were included, of which 647 (64.6%) received an EBP and 354 (35.4%) did not receive an EBP (no-EBP). Higher initial headache intensity was associated with greater use of EBP, odds ratio 1.29 (95% confidence interval 1.19-1.41) per pain intensity unit increase. Headache intensity declined sharply at 4 h after EBP and 127 (19.3%) patients received a second EBP. On average, no or mild headache (numeric rating score≤3) was observed 7 days after diagnosis. Intracranial bleeding was diagnosed in three patients (0.46%), and backache, headache, and analgesic use were more common at 3 months in the EBP group.

CONCLUSIONS

Management practices vary between countries, but EBP was more often used in patients with greater initial headache intensity. EBP reduced headache intensity quickly, but about 20% of patients needed a second EBP. After 7 days, most patients had no or mild headache. Backache, headache, and analgesic use were more common at 3 months in patients receiving an EBP.

The effectiveness of epidural blood patch in patients with cerebral palsy treated with intrathecal baclofen implantation

BACKGROUND

Cerebrospinal fluid leak and postdural puncture spinal headache following intrathecal baclofen therapy are known complications. Although primary treatments are conservative, epidural blood patch is an alternative in patients with persistent and severe symptoms.

AIM

The purpose of this article is to review the effectiveness of epidural blood patch for the treatment of spinal headache and cerebrospinal fluid leak associated with intrathecal baclofen treatment in children with cerebral palsy.

METHODS

Our database was reviewed for epidural blood patch in 341 pediatric patients with cerebral palsy who underwent primary intrathecal baclofen treatment from 2004 to 2018 at one institution. The number of patches, time frame of treatment, and effectiveness of the epidural blood patch were collected. All patients treated with epidural blood patch were evaluated for primary and secondary intrathecal baclofen-related procedures, and subsequent treatment of intrathecal baclofen associated with cerebrospinal fluid leak and spinal headache.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine epidural blood patch procedures were performed on 26 patients who had received intrathecal baclofen procedures. Of these 26 patients, four had a secondary epidural blood patch. The incidence of spinal headache/cerebrospinal fluid leak was 31% (107/341), and 81/107 (76%) patients with spinal headache/cerebrospinal fluid leak responded to conservative treatments. Success rate for initial epidural blood patch was 79.3% (23/29). The second epidural blood patch was performed in four patients after failure of initial epidural blood patch. Second epidural blood patch success rate was 75% (3/4).

CONCLUSION

Spinal headache and cerebrospinal fluid leak are known complications after intrathecal baclofen treatment in children with cerebral palsy. When conservative treatments are unsuccessful, epidural blood patch can be used with confidence for these patients. In patients with ongoing symptoms, it is possible to obtain success by repeating the epidural blood patch to continue intrathecal baclofen treatment and avoid aggressive surgery.

Targeted Epidural Blood Patches Under Fluoroscopic Guidance For Incidental Durotomies Related To Spine Surgeries: A Case Series

Introduction

Incidental durotomies are usually managed conservatively. However, 1.8% of patients require surgical dural repair for CSF leak. There are limited data available regarding the use of epidural blood patches (EBP) for persistent CSF leaks secondary to incidental durotomies. This case series aims to evaluate the efficacy of targeted EBPs under fluoroscopic guidance in the treatment of incidental durotomies.

Methods

Four patients with incidental durotomies after spine surgeries (one cervical decompression, one revision of L5-S1 decompression and fusion, and two lumbar decompressions) were included in this series. These patients did not respond to conservative management and subsequently underwent EBPs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images were reviewed to confirm and identify the sites of CSF leak prior to the EBPs. We targeted the sites of CSF leak with fluoroscopic guidance. All four patients received an EBP with an 18-gauge epidural needle placed under fluoroscopic guidance. In some cases, epidural catheters were used to further target the sites of CSF leak. Contrast was used to confirm the appropriate placements of the needles and catheters. Approximately 5–14 mL of autologous blood was injected through the needles or catheters to the sites of dural leak.

Results

Three lumbar and two cervical EBPs were performed in four patients (two females and two males). Their age ranged from 44 to 73 years old. Two out of three patients who had lumbar EBP reported complete resolution of symptoms following EBP. The patient who had cervical epidural patches did not have improvement in her symptoms.

Conclusion

This case series demonstrated that targeted EBP can be an effective treatment for CSF leak from incidental durotomies. However, dural tears in the cervical region may be more difficult to treat. Larger scale studies are required to evaluate efficacy of EBP in the treatment of symptomatic incidental durotomies.

Treatment of obstetric post-dural puncture headache. Part 2: epidural blood patch

The 2009-12 MBRRACE-UK report highlighted the deaths of two women in whom dural puncture had occurred during insertion of a labour epidural catheter. Despite suffering long-term headaches, neither woman was adequately followed-up after discharge from hospital. Death resulted from a cerebral vein thrombosis in one case and a subdural haematoma in the other. Due to significant variation in the treatment of obstetric post-dural puncture headache, an Obstetric Anaesthetists' Association working group was set up to produce evidence-based guidelines to guide clinicians. These guidelines have been condensed into two review articles. In this second review, the role of an epidural blood patch is discussed using a question and answer format.

Obstetric analgesia - update 2016

Neuraxial labor analgesia can be initiated via combined spinal-epidural (CSE) or stand-alone epidural. Pros and cons of these techniques are outlined in this review. In recent years computer-integrated patient-controlled epidural analgesia (CI-PCEA) and programed intermittent epidural boluses (PIEB) have been developed, adding to continuous infusion and PCEA for the maintenance of neuraxial analgesia. Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) and fever can occur secondary to labor epidural that both have clinical relevance for the care givers. Insights into the mechanism of epidural fever and treatment strategies for PDPH are outlined. Due to the increase in obesity the specific considerations for this patient group are discussed. New data have been presented for remifentanil, an ultra-shortly acting opioid, that is used in obstetric analgesia. Without breaking new data, the use of nitrous oxide especially by midwives has a kind of renaissance, and this will be discussed, too.

The use of epidural analgesia for intrapartum pain relief in publicly funded healthcare

BACKGROUND

Epidural analgesia is the most effective way to relieve pain during birth. In a population-based case-control study, we evaluated whether socioeconomic status (SES) affects the use of epidural analgesia for intrapartum pain relief in publicly funded health care.

METHODS

Data gathered from the Finnish Medical Birth Register included all singleton births (n = 521,179) in 2000-2010. The likelihood of receiving epidural analgesia according to vaginal birth order, socio-demographic factors and delivery characteristics was determined by using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 66.6% of women with first vaginal births and 22.4% of women with second or subsequent vaginal births had epidural analgesia. The use of epidural analgesia was associated with several factors, such as post-term pregnancy, gestational diabetes, maternal diabetes mellitus, single marital status, smoking, depression and fear of childbirth, induction, high birth weight and giving birth by vacuum extraction regardless of vaginal birth order. Epidural use did not vary substantially by SES in first vaginal births, but a minor difference was found in second or subsequent vaginal births. The prevalence of epidural analgesia was 3% [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.93-1.00] and 13% (aOR 0.87, 95% CI 0.83-0.90) lower among lower white-collar workers and blue-collar workers, respectively, compared with upper white-collar workers.

CONCLUSIONS

In Finland, the use of epidural analgesia for intrapartum pain relief reflected clinical indications and did not substantially vary by SES regardless of vaginal birth order. This could be considered as an important indicator measuring health equality.