Bevel direction and postdural puncture headache: a meta-analysis

Lumbar Puncture Complications: A Review of Current Literature

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This paper reviews the complications of lumbar puncture with a focus on post-dural puncture headache including pathophysiology, risk factors, prevention, and treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent research has focused on understanding the multifactorial mechanisms of post-dural puncture headache and improving prevention and treatment strategies. Small caliber, pencil-point type needles are encouraged to minimize the risk of post-dural puncture headaches, especially in populations that are at higher risk for complication. While new medications and procedures show promise in small cohorts, conservative medical management and epidural blood patch are still the first and second-line treatments for PDPH. Post-dural puncture headache is the most frequent complication of lumbar puncture. There are both modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors to consider when performing this procedure. Conservative medical management and procedure-based therapies exist for when complications of lumbar puncture arise.

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.

Optic nerve sheath diameter measurement for prediction of postdural puncture headache

PURPOSE

Intracranial hypotension due to cerebrospinal fluid leak is mainly the causal factor for the pathophysiology of postdural puncture headache (PDPH). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measurement in predicting the development of PDPH in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia.

METHODS

According to the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical classification I-III, 83 patients aged 18-65 years scheduled for spinal anesthesia for elective surgery were included in the study. Demographic data (age, ASA, sex, smoking, migraine, and PDPH history) and operative data were recorded. Preoperative ONSD measurements were taken in the right and left eye, axial, and sagittal planes. The mean of four measurements was recorded before and 24 h after the spinal anesthesia.

RESULTS

A total of 83 patients (59 males and 24 females) were included in the study. In our study, the rate of PDPH development was determined as 22.9% (n = 19). There was a statistically significant difference in the preoperative and postoperative ONSD values between patients with and without PDPH development (p = 0.046). In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve was 0.843, and the cutoff value was 0.4.

CONCLUSION

The difference between the ONSD values measured before and after spinal anesthesia may be an important parameter for predicting the risk of PDPH development.

Risk factors for post-dural puncture headache

INTRODUCTION

Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is the most common complication following lumbar puncture. However, its incidence varies according to the series consulted. Different factors associated with its onset have been identified.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of PDPH and to identify predisposing factors for its appearance.

METHOD

Prospective, descriptive study in 57 patients who underwent lumbar puncture procedures. To this end, variables associated with patient-related risk factors, clinical and procedural factors with the presence of PDPH were analysed. The incidence of PDPH was 38.6% and factors associated with onset included young age and previous history of headache.

RESULTS

The incidence of PDPH was higher in women and presented greater intensity in this group, though studies with a larger sample size would need to be conducted.

CONCLUSIONS

We must bear in mind the factors associated with the appearance of PDPH, which include: young age, history of headache, and the perception of procedural difficulty, to better inform patients and optimise the techniques used.

Paravertebral Cerebrospinal Fluid Exudation in Young Women with Postdural Puncture Headache: A Hypothetical Interpretation based on Anatomical Study on Intervertebral Foramen

Background Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is defined as a prolonged orthostatic headache secondary to a lumbar puncture. The mechanism underlying this unpleasant complication and the reasons explaining its higher incidence in the young are not well understood. Here, we speculate on the mechanisms underlying PDPH based on spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with PDPH and an anatomical study on the size of the intervertebral foramen.

Methods Brain and spinal MRI findings were examined in two young women with PDPH. The relationship between age and size of the intervertebral foramen on computed tomography was assessed in 25 female volunteers (22–89 years old) without spinal disease.

Results The causative interventions leading to PDPH were epidural anesthesia for painless delivery in a 28-year-old woman and lumbar puncture for examination of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in a 17-year-old woman. These two patients developed severe orthostatic hypotension following the procedure. Brain MRI showed signs of intracranial hypotension, including subdural effusion, in one patient, but no abnormality in the other. Spinal MRI revealed an anterior shift of the spinal cord at the thoracic level and CSF exudation into the paravertebral space at the lumbar level. Treatment involving an epidural blood patch in one patient and strict bed rest with sufficient hydration in the second led to improvement of symptoms and reduction of paravertebral CSF exudation. The size of the intervertebral foramen at the L2–3 level in the 25 volunteers showed a decrease in an age-dependent manner (Spearman's rho −0.8751, p < 0.001).

Conclusion We suggest that CSF exudation from the epidural space of the vertebral canal to the paravertebral space through the intervertebral foramen, which is generally larger in the younger population, is the causative mechanism of PDPH.

Postdural Puncture Headache-Risks and Current Treatment

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This manuscript aims to review the risks and the current treatments for postdural puncture headache (PDPH).

RECENT FINDINGS

PDPH is a relatively frequent complication after neuraxial blocks. It is typically orthostatic in nature, presenting as a positional and dull aching or throbbing headache, with added dysregulation of auditory and/or visual signals. Certain characteristics, such as female sex and young age, may predispose patients to the development of PDPH, as may factors such as previous PDPH, bearing down during the second stage of labor, and the neuraxial technique itself. Long-term complications including chronic headache for years following dural puncture have brought into question of the historical classification of PDPH as a self-limiting headache. So far, the underlying mechanism governing PDPH remains under investigation, while a wide variety of prophylactic and therapeutic measures have been explored with various degree of success. In case of mild PDPH, conservative management involving bed rest and pharmacological management should be used as first-line treatment. Nerve blocks are highly efficient alternatives for PDPH patients who do not respond well to conservative treatment. In case of moderate-to-severe PDPH, epidural blood patch remains the therapy of choice. An interdisciplinary approach to care for patients with PDPH is recommended to achieve optimal outcomes.

Preventing Post-Lumbar Puncture Headache

Post-lumbar puncture headache is the main adverse event from lumbar puncture and occurs in 3.5% to 33% of patients, causing functional and socio-professional disability. We searched the post-lumbar puncture headache literature and, based on this review and personal expertise, identified and addressed 19 frequently asked questions regarding post-lumbar puncture headache risk factors and prevention. Among the nonmodifiable factors, older age is associated with a lower incidence of post-lumbar puncture headache, while female sex, lower body mass index, and history of headache might be associated with increased risk. The use of atraumatic, noncutting needles is the most effective intervention for post-lumbar puncture headache prevention. These needles are not more difficult to use than cutting needles. Other commonly recommended measures (eg, fluid supplementation, caffeine) appear unhelpful, and some (eg, bed rest) may worsen post-lumbar puncture headache.

[Postdural puncture headache after neuraxial anesthesia: incidence and risk factors]

Hintergrund/Ziel der Arbeit

Der postpunktionelle Kopfschmerz (PKS) ist eine Komplikation nach rückenmarknahen Verfahren (RA) mit erheblichem Krankheitswert. Ziel der Untersuchung war es, die Inzidenz des PKS in 2 großen operativen Kollektiven zu untersuchen, mögliche Risikofaktoren zu identifizieren und den Einfluss auf die Krankenhausverweildauer zu untersuchen.

Material und Methoden

In einer retrospektiven Analyse des Zeitraums 2010–2012 wurden 341 unfallchirurgische (UCH) und 2113 geburtsmedizinische (GEB) Patient*innen nach Spinalanästhesie (SPA) analysiert. In der statistischen Auswertung (SPSS-23) kamen univariate Analysen mittels Mann-Whitney-U-, Chi²- und Student’s t‑Test sowie logistische Regressionsanalysen zur Anwendung.

Ergebnisse

Die Inzidenz des PKS betrug in der UCH-Gruppe 5,9 % und in der GEB-Gruppe 1,8 %. Patient*innen mit PKS in der UCH wiesen ein jüngeres Patientenalter (38 vs. 47 Jahre, p = 0,011), einen geringeren BMI (23,5 vs. 25,2, p = 0,037) sowie ein niedrigeres Köpergewicht (70,5 kg vs. 77 kg, p = 0,006) als Patient*innen ohne PKS auf. Dabei konnten das Alter mit einer „odds ratio“ (OR 97,5 % Konfidenzintervall [KI]) von 0,963 (97,5% KI 0,932–0,991, p = 0,015) und das Köpergewicht mit einer OR von 0,956 (97,5 % KI 0,920–0,989, p = 0,014) als unabhängige Risikofaktoren für die Entstehung eines PKS identifiziert werden. In der GEB wies die SPA eine höhere Inzidenz des PKS auf als die kombinierte Spinalepiduralanästhesie (CSE) (8,6 % vs. 1,2 %, p < 0,001). Dabei erwies sich das Verfahren mit einer OR von 0,049 (97,5 % KI 0,023–0,106, p < 0,001) als unabhängiger Risikofaktor für die Entstehung eines PKS. In beiden Gruppen war der PKS mit einem verlängerten Krankenhausaufenthalt assoziiert (UCH-Gruppe 4 vs. 2 Tage, p = 0,001; GEB-Gruppe 6 vs. 4 Tage, p < 0.0005).

Diskussion

Die Inzidenz des PKS nach SPA/CSE war in unserer Untersuchung in den beschriebenen Patientengruppen unterschiedlich, mit einem deutlich höheren Anteil in der UCH-Gruppe. Alter, Konstitution und Verfahren waren hinweisgebende Risikofaktoren eines PKS. In Anbetracht der funktionellen Einschränkungen (Mobilisation, Versorgung des Neugeborenen) und des verlängerten Krankenhausaufenthalts, sollten zukünftige Studien eine frühe Behandlung des PKS untersuchen.

Effect of reinsertion of the spinal needle stylet after spinal anaesthesia procedure on post dural puncture headache in women undergoing caesarean delivery

Background and Aims:

Post dural puncture headache (PDPH) following caesarean delivery (CD) is a cause for concern for anaesthesiologists. We aimed to study the effect of reinsertion of the stylet after spinal anaesthesia procedure, prior to spinal needle removal, on the incidence of PDPH in women undergoing CD. We also evaluated the risk factors associated with PDPH.

Methods:

In this randomised, double-blind study in a tertiary care hospital, 870 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) II/III women undergoing CD under spinal anaesthesia were randomly divided into-GroupA (n = 435): stylet reinsertion before spinal needle removal and Group B (n = 435): spinal needle removal without stylet reinsertion. All patients were questioned for occurrence of PDPH at various time-points. Statistical calculations were done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 17 version program for Windows.

Results:

Sixty-two (7.1%) patients developed PDPH; 27 (6.2%) patients with stylet reinsertion and 35 (8.0%) patients in those with no stylet reinsertion; P = 0.389. The onset of headache was significantly delayed in patients with stylet reinsertion (16.2 ± 6.7 and 13.2 ± 4.3 h, respectively); P = 0.041 and they had greater severity of PDPH compared with those with no stylet reinsertion; P = 0.002. Factors significantly associated with PDPH were hypothyroidism, tea habituation, number of skin punctures and needle redirections, first pass success rate, occurrence of paraesthesia and contact with bone, intraoperative hypotension and time to ambulation.

Conclusions:

Reinsertion of the stylet before spinal needle removal did not influence the incidence of PDPH. The onset of PDPH was delayed and the severity of headache was greater in women in whom reinsertion of the stylet was done.

Is There An Effect On The Development Of Postdural Puncture Headache Of Dural Punction Made With The Spinal Needle In Three Different Orientations During Spinal Anaesthesia Applied To Pregnant Patients?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Postdural punction headache (PDPH) is a well-known and common complication of spinal anesthesia. The relationship between spinal needle size, configuration and perforation characteristics of the spinal needle and non-essential leak continues to be controversial.

METHODS

This prospective-randomized study included 300 patients aged 18-45 years who underwent cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia was performed using a 26G Quincke spinal needle in the L3-4, or L4-5 range in the sitting position. Spinal anesthesia was performed with spinal needle sharp tip opening in the Group 1 patients, right or left laterally in Group 2 and caudal in Group 3, transducing the dural fibers transversely to the subarachnoid area, and directing the free opening of the needle to the spine. The patients were visited in the clinic where they were hospitalized at the 24th and 48th hours postoperatively, and phoned on the 3rd and 5th days after discharge, being questioned for PDPH.

RESULTS

It was observed that 64% of patients with PDPH developed within the first 24 hrs, 24% between 24 and 48 hrs and 48-72 hrs in 12%. The incidence of PDPH was 14% in Group 1, 8% in Group 2 and 3% in Group 3. This difference between the groups was statistically significant (p: 0.019). The incidence of PDPH was lower in Group 3 than in Group 1 and Group 2.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that when spinal anesthesia is applied in the obstetric patient group if needle opening faces caudal this method will reduce the frequency of PDPH.

Novel Interventional Nonopioid Therapies in Headache Management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Headaches encompass a broad-based category of a symptom of pain in the region of the head or neck. For those patients who unfortunately do not obtain relief from conservative treatment, interventional techniques have been developed and are continuing to be refined in an attempt to treat this subset of patients with the goal of return of daily activities. This investigation reviews various categories of headaches, their pathophysiology, and types of interventional treatments currently available.

RECENT FINDINGS

Injection of botulinum toxin has been shown to increase the number of headache free days for patients suffering from chronic tension-type headaches. Suboccipital steroid injection has been demonstrated as a successful treatment option for patients suffering from cluster headache. Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) has been described as a treatment for all types of trigeminal autonomic cephalgias. Percutaneous ONS is a minimally invasive and reversible approach to manage occipital neuralgia performed utilizing subcutaneous electrodes placed superficial to the cervical muscular fascia in the suboccipital area. Radiofrequency lesioning is another commonly used treatment in the management of chronic pain syndromes of the head and neck. If a diagnostic sphenopalatine ganglion block successfully resolves the patient's symptoms, neurolysis can be employed as a more permanent solution. Although many patients who suffer from headaches can be treated with conservative, less-invasive treatments, there still remains at present an ever-increasing need for those patients who are refractory to conservative measures and thus require interventional treatments. These procedures are continually evolving to become safer, more precise, and more readily available for clinicians to provide to their patients.

The Effects of the Quincke Spinal Needle Bevel Insertion on Postdural Puncture Headache and Hemodynamics in Obstetric Patients

Aim

Spinal anesthesia is a widely used procedure in modern anesthesia. Although it is a reliable and frequently used anesthetic procedure, it involves complications, including postdural puncture headache caused by arachnoid punctured, which significantly affects postoperative well-being. In this study, we aimed to observe headache frequency with 26-G Quincke spinal needle in either transverse or sagittal planes.

Materials and Methods

One hundred patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists status classes I and II who were scheduled for elective cesarean delivery with no contraindications for performing spinal anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups: Group I (transverse n = 50) and Group II (sagittal n = 50). Spinal anesthesia was performed with a 26-G Quincke needle, using 1.5-2.0 ml 0.75% hyperbaric bupivacaine. The anesthesiologists' experience, number of attempts for spinal anesthesia, volume of fluid administered preoperatively and intraoperatively, intervertebral space where spinal anesthesia was administered, and patient movements during the attempts were recorded. Mean arterial pressure and peak heart rates were recorded for 60 min intraoperatively and postoperatively. Headache and back pain complications were observed for 1 week postoperatively. Chi-square tests and statistical comparisons of the rates (statistical significance, P < 0.05) were used for assessments.

Results and Conclusions

No significant differences were observed with respect to age, height, weight, headache, or incidence of back pain. No significant differences were observed for the number of spinal attempts, intervertebral space where spinal anesthesia was administered, experience of the anesthesiologists, patient movements during the attempts, volumes of fluid administered preoperatively and intraoperatively, or low back pain incidence. Significant reductions in mean arterial pressure were observed between groups after 10, 15, 30, 40, and 50 min. No significant differences were observed in headache or back pain frequency with 26-G Quincke spinal needle in either transverse or sagittal planes. Hypotension was frequently observed in the transverse group.

Needle gauge and tip designs for preventing post-dural puncture headache (PDPH)

BACKGROUND

Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is one of the most common complications of diagnostic and therapeutic lumbar punctures. PDPH is defined as any headache occurring after a lumbar puncture that worsens within 15 minutes of sitting or standing and is relieved within 15 minutes of the patient lying down. Researchers have suggested many types of interventions to help prevent PDPH. It has been suggested that aspects such as needle tip and gauge can be modified to decrease the incidence of PDPH.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of needle tip design (traumatic versus atraumatic) and diameter (gauge) on the prevention of PDPH in participants who have undergone dural puncture for diagnostic or therapeutic causes.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and LILACS, as well as trial registries via the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) search portal in September 2016. We adopted the MEDLINE strategy for searching the other databases. The search terms we used were a combination of thesaurus-based and free-text terms for both interventions (lumbar puncture in neurological, anaesthesia or myelography settings) and headache.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted in any clinical/research setting where dural puncture had been used in participants of all ages and both genders, which compared different tip designs or diameters for prevention of PDPH DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 70 studies in the review; 66 studies with 17,067 participants were included in the quantitative analysis. An additional 18 studies are awaiting classification and 12 are ongoing. Fifteen of the 18 studies awaiting classification mainly correspond to congress summaries published before 2010, in which the available information does not allow the complete evaluation of all their risks of bias and characteristics. Our main outcome was prevention of PDPH, but we also assessed the onset of severe PDPH, headache in general and adverse events. The quality of evidence was moderate for most of the outcomes mainly due to risk of bias issues. For the analysis, we undertook three main comparisons: 1) traumatic needles versus atraumatic needles; 2) larger gauge traumatic needles versus smaller gauge traumatic needles; and 3) larger gauge atraumatic needles versus smaller gauge atraumatic needles. For each main comparison, if data were available, we performed a subgroup analysis evaluating lumbar puncture indication, age and posture.For the first comparison, the use of traumatic needles showed a higher risk of onset of PDPH compared to atraumatic needles (36 studies, 9378 participants, risk ratio (RR) 2.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.72 to 2.67, I2 = 9%).In the second comparison of traumatic needles, studies comparing various sizes of large and small gauges showed no significant difference in effects in terms of risk of PDPH, with the exception of one study comparing 26 and 27 gauge needles (one study, 658 participants, RR 6.47, 95% CI 2.55 to 16.43).In the third comparison of atraumatic needles, studies comparing various sizes of large and small gauges showed no significant difference in effects in terms of risk of PDPH.We observed no significant difference in the risk of paraesthesia, backache, severe PDPH and any headache between traumatic and atraumatic needles. Sensitivity analyses of PDPH results between traumatic and atraumatic needles omitting high risk of bias studies showed similar results regarding the benefit of atraumatic needles in the prevention of PDPH (three studies, RR 2.78, 95% CI 1.26 to 6.15; I2 = 51%).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is moderate-quality evidence that atraumatic needles reduce the risk of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) without increasing adverse events such as paraesthesia or backache. The studies did not report very clearly on aspects related to randomization, such as random sequence generation and allocation concealment, making it difficult to interpret the risk of bias in the included studies. The moderate quality of the evidence for traumatic versus atraumatic needles suggests that further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect.

Assessment of risk factors for postdural puncture headache in women undergoing cesarean delivery in Jordan: a retrospective analytical study

PURPOSE

Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is one of the most recognized complications after spinal anesthesia in women undergoing cesarean delivery. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of PDPH and its associated risk factors in women undergoing cesarean delivery in Jordan.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study included all women who underwent cesarean delivery at King Abdullah University Hospital in Jordan during 2015. Patient characteristics including age, weight, occurrence of PDPH, needle type, repeated puncture attempt, history of spinal anesthesia and PDPH, presence of tension headache, preeclampsia, migraine, sinusitis, and caffeine withdrawal were collated from hospital records. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the association of these characteristics with PDPH.

RESULTS

The study cohort consisted of 680 women. Among these, only 43 (6.3%) had developed PDPH. The only factors that showed significant association (P<0.01) with PDPH were repeated puncture attempt and presence of tension headache. The repeated puncture attempt increased the risk of PDPH 2.55-fold, while presence of tension headache increased the risk 4.60-fold. Furthermore, the use of the traumatic 27 G Spinostar needle increased the risk of repeated puncture attempt 28.45-fold (P<0.01) compared with the use of the pencil-point 25 G Whitacre needle.

CONCLUSION

The major risk factors associated with the incidence of PDPH in women undergoing cesarean delivery in Jordan are repeated puncture attempt and presence of tension headache. The use of the pencil-point 25 G Whitacre needle is recommended since this was associated with a substantially reduced risk of repeated spinal puncture than the traumatic 27 G Spinostar needle.

Postdural puncture headache

Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is a common complication after inadvertent dural puncture. Risks factors include female sex, young age, pregnancy, vaginal delivery, low body mass index, and being a non-smoker. Needle size, design, and the technique used also affect the risk. Because PDPH can be incapacitating, prompt diagnosis and treatment are mandatory. A diagnostic hallmark of PDPH is a postural headache that worsens with sitting or standing, and improves with lying down. Conservative therapies such as bed rest, hydration, and caffeine are commonly used as prophylaxis and treatment for this condition; however, no substantial evidence supports routine bed rest and aggressive hydration. An epidural blood patch is the most effective treatment option for patients with unsuccessful conservative management. Various other prophylactic and treatment interventions have been suggested. However, due to a lack of conclusive evidence supporting their use, the potential benefits of such interventions should be weighed carefully against the risks. This article reviews the current literature on the diagnosis, risk factors, pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment of PDPH.

The status of diagnosis and treatment to intracranial hypotension, including SIH

Intracranial hypotension, especially spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH), is a well-recognized entity associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, and has being recognized better in resent years, while still woefully inadequate. An increasing number of factors including iatrogenic factors are realized to involve in development and progression of intracranial hypotension. The diagnosis remains difficult due to the various clinical manifestations, some of which are nonspecific and easily to be neglected. Multiple imaging tests are optional in CSF leakage identification while clinicians are still confronted with difficulties when making selection resulting from superiorities and disadvantages of different imaging tests. Treatments for intracranial hypotension are multifarious but evidence is anecdotal. Values of autologous epidural blood patching (EBP), the mainstay of first-line interventional treatment currently, is getting more and more regards while there are no systematic review of its efficacy and risks. Hereby, the purpose of this review was to reveal the present strategy of intracranial hypotension diagnosis and treatment by reviewing literatures, coupled with our experience in clinical work.

Systematic Reviews of Anesthesiologic Interventions Reported as Statistically Significant: Problems with Power, Precision, and Type 1 Error Protection

BACKGROUND

The GRADE Working Group assessment of the quality of evidence is being used increasingly to inform clinical decisions and guidelines. The assessment involves explicit consideration of all sources of uncertainty. One of these sources is imprecision or random error. Many published meta-analyses are underpowered and likely to be updated in the future. When data are sparse and there are repeated updates, the risk of random error is increased. Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA) is one of several methodologies that estimates this increased risk (and decreased precision) in meta-analyses. With nominally statistically significant meta-analyses of anesthesiologic interventions, we used TSA to estimate power and imprecision in the context of sparse data and repeated updates.

METHODS

We conducted a search to identify all systematic reviews with meta-analyses that investigated an intervention that may be implemented by an anesthesiologist during the perioperative period. We randomly selected 50 meta-analyses that reported a statistically significant dichotomous outcome in their abstract. We applied TSA to these meta-analyses by using 2 main TSA approaches: relative risk reduction 20% and relative risk reduction consistent with the conventional 95% confidence limit closest to null. We calculated the power achieved by each included meta-analysis, by using each TSA approach, and we calculated the proportion that maintained statistical significance when allowing for sparse data and repeated updates.

RESULTS

From 11,870 titles, we found 682 systematic reviews that investigated anesthesiologic interventions. In the 50 sampled meta-analyses, the median number of trials included was 8 (interquartile range [IQR], 5-14), the median number of participants was 964 (IQR, 523-1736), and the median number of participants with the outcome was 202 (IQR, 96-443). By using both of our main TSA approaches, only 12% (95% CI, 5%-25%) of the meta-analyses had power ≥ 80%, and only 32% (95% CI, 20%-47%) of the meta-analyses preserved the risk of type 1 error <5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Most nominally statistically significant meta-analyses of anesthesiologic interventions are underpowered, and many do not maintain their risk of type 1 error <5% if TSA monitoring boundaries are applied. Consideration of the effect of sparse data and repeated updates is needed when assessing the imprecision of meta-analyses of anesthesiologic interventions.

The UK joint specialist societies guideline on the diagnosis and management of acute meningitis and meningococcal sepsis in immunocompetent adults

Bacterial meningitis and meningococcal sepsis are rare conditions with high case fatality rates. Early recognition and prompt treatment saves lives. In 1999 the British Infection Society produced a consensus statement for the management of immunocompetent adults with meningitis and meningococcal sepsis. Since 1999 there have been many changes. We therefore set out to produce revised guidelines which provide a standardised evidence-based approach to the management of acute community acquired meningitis and meningococcal sepsis in adults. A working party consisting of infectious diseases physicians, neurologists, acute physicians, intensivists, microbiologists, public health experts and patient group representatives was formed. Key questions were identified and the literature reviewed. All recommendations were graded and agreed upon by the working party. The guidelines, which for the first time include viral meningitis, are written in accordance with the AGREE 2 tool and recommendations graded according to the GRADE system. Main changes from the original statement include the indications for pre-hospital antibiotics, timing of the lumbar puncture and the indications for neuroimaging. The list of investigations has been updated and more emphasis is placed on molecular diagnosis. Approaches to both antibiotic and steroid therapy have been revised. Several recommendations have been given regarding the follow-up of patients.

The use of the 25 Sprotte needle markedly reduces post-dural puncture headache in routine neurological practice

Objectives

The objectives of this article are to test the feasibility of lumbar puncture (LP) using 25-gauge (G) needles in daily neurological practice and to compare the risk of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) with four types of needles.

Methods

In a prospective rater-blind study, pros and cons of four different LP needles, the 20G Quincke (20Q), 22G Sprotte (22S), 25G Whitacre (25W) and 25G Sprotte (25S), were evaluated in 394 LPs performed by seven neurologists. The neurologist performing the LP recorded the type and size of needle, intensity of pain, safety, time of the procedure and failure or success. Between five and 15 days later another neurologist, blind to the type of needle used, completed an ad-hoc questionnaire for PDPH.

Results

PDPH developed in 35.9% patients when using a 20Q needle, and in 12.9%, 6.8% and 1.6%, respectively, when using a 22S, 25W or 25S needle. The difference in incidence of PDPH following LP performed with the 20Q needle and the 25S or 22S was statistically significant ( p < 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively) and it approached significance when comparing the 25S and 25W ( p = 0.06). As 25W and 25S needles need CSF aspiration, LP requires more time and skill. Pain caused by LP was similar with the four needles.

Conclusion

The use of the 25S needle in diagnostic LP reduces the frequency and severity of PDPH.

Reinsertion of the stylet does not affect incidence of post dural puncture headaches (PDPH) after spinal anesthesia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of reinsertion of the stylet after a spinal anesthesia procedure on the Post Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH).

METHODS

We have enrolled into this study 630 patients who were undergoing elective operations with spinal anesthesia and randomized them to Group A (stylet replacement before needle removal) and Group B (needle removal without stylet replacement). These patients were observed for the duration of 24 hours in the hospital and they were checked for PDPH on the 3rd and the 7th day of the study.

RESULTS

Overall, the PDPH incidence was at 10.8% (68 patients). Thirty-three of these patients (10.5%) who were in Group A (stylet replacement before needle removal) and the other 35 patients (11.1%) who were in Group B (needle removal without stylet replacement) experienced PDPH. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to the PDPH.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrary to the diagnostic lumbar puncture, reinsertion of the stylet after spinal anesthesia with 25-gauge Quincke needles does not reduce the incidence of PDPH.

[Post-dural puncture headache and blood-patch: theoretical and practical approach]

OBJECTIVE

To review the current research and formulate a rational approach to the physiopathology, cause and treatment of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH).

DATA SOURCES

Articles published to December 2011 were obtained through a search of Medline for the MeSh terms "epidural blood-patch" and "post-dural puncture headache".

STUDY SELECTION

Six hundred and eighty-two pertinent studies were included and 200 were analysed.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Resulting of a dural tap after spinal anaesthesia or diagnostic lumbar puncture or as a complication of epidural anaesthesia, PDPH occurs when an excessive leak of cerebrospinal fluid leads to intracranial hypotension associated to a resultant cerebral vasodilatation. Reduction in cerebrospinal fluid volume in upright position may cause traction of the intracranial structure and stretching of vessels. Typically postural, headache may be associated to nausea, photophobia, tinnitus or arm pain and changes in hearing acuity. In severe cases, there may be cranial nerve dysfunction and nerve palsies secondary to traction on those nerves. The Epidural Blood-Patch (EBP) is considered as the "gold standard" in the treatment of PDHP because it induces a prolonged elevation of subarachnoid and epidural pressures, whereas such elevation is transient with saline or dextran. EBP should be performed within 24-48hours of onset of headache; the optimum volume of epidural blood appears to be 15-20mL. Severe complications following EBP are exceptional. The use of echography may be safety puncture. The optimum timing of epidural blood-patch, the resort of repeating procedure if the symptomatology does not disappear, the alternative to the conventional medical treatment need to be determined by future clinical trial.

Reinsertion of the stylet does not affect incidence of Post Dural Puncture Headaches (PDPH) after spinal anesthesia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of reinsertion of the stylet after a spinal anesthesia procedure on the Post Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH) METHODS: We have enrolled into this study 630 patients who were undergoing elective operations with spinal anesthesia and randomized them to Group A (stylet replacement before needle removal) and Group B (needle removal without stylet replacement). These patients were observed for the duration of 24 hours in the hospital and they were checked for PDPH on the 3(rd) and the 7(th) day of the study.

RESULTS

Overall, the PDPH incidence was at 10.8% (68 patients). Thirty-three of these patients (10.5%) who were in Group A (stylet replacement before needle removal) and the other 35 patients (11.1%) who were in Group B (needle removal without stylet replacement) experienced PDPH. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to the PDPH.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrary to the diagnostic lumbar puncture, reinsertion of the stylet after spinal anesthesia with 25-gauge Quincke needles does not reduce the incidence of PDPH.

Reducing the incidence of post-dural puncture headache

First reported in 1898, post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) remains a significant clinical issue. Here, we present a brief case history and a summary of the current evidence for methods to reduce PDPH rates, along with the experience in our department of implementing these methods in clinical practice. The key points to note are that needle design, gauge and orientation, as well as stylet reinsertion, are factors known to affect the incidence of PDPH, and that there is no evidence to support the use of hydration and bed rest to reduce headache following dural puncture.

Post-dural (post-lumbar) puncture headache: risk factors and clinical features

OBJECTIVE

This is an analytic, interventional, cross sectional study to evaluate the risk factors of post-dural (post-lumbar) puncture headache (PDPH) and the validity of the diagnostic criteria for PDPH from the ICHD II.

METHODS

Six-hundred-and-forty patients (332 non-pregnant women and 308 men) aged 8-65 years underwent spinal anesthesia with Quincke 25G or 27G needles in elective surgery.

RESULTS

Forty-eight (7.5%) of the patients developed PDPH. The binary logistic regression analysis identified as risk factors: gender [11.1% female vs. 3.6% male, OR 2.25 (1.07-4.73); p = 0.03], age [11.0% 31-50 years of age vs. 4.2% others, OR 2.21 (1.12-4.36); p = 0.02], previous history of PDPH [26.4% positive vs. 6.2% negative, OR 4.30 (1.99-9.31); p < 0.01] and bevel orientation [16.1% perpendicular vs. 5.7% parallel, OR 2.16 (1.07-4.35); p = 0.03]. The period of latency between lumbar puncture and headache onset range from 6 to 72 hours and the duration from 3 to 15 days. In 34/48 (71%) patients with PDPH, at least one of the following was present: neck stiffness, tinnitus, hypoacusia, photophobia, or nausea.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, 14/48 patients (29%) suffered none of the above-mentioned symptoms, indicating that a significant number of patients may suffer from PDPH in the absence of any symptoms apart from the headache itself. This suggests that a further analyses of existing studies should be made to determine if a criteria change may need consideration.

Post-lumbar puncture headache

BACKGROUND

Headache is a complication of lumbar puncture that has been known for more than a hundred years. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the incidence and symptoms of, the risk factors for and the treatment of this type of headache.

METHOD

The article is based on a literature search in PubMed for studies on headache after lumbar puncture followed by discretionary selection of publications.

RESULTS

Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is characterised by the occurrence of a headache with a significant orthostatic component within 5 days of a lumbar puncture. The incidence depends on a number of factors. Younger women with a previous history of headaches appear to be at highest risk. The incidence can be significantly reduced by using a thin lumbar puncture needle with an atraumatic tip. The condition is self-limiting and harmless, but leads to significant morbidity. Caffeine alleviates the symptoms and reduces the course of the illness. When bed rest and caffeine prove ineffective, an epidural blood patch works well for the majority, but there is no consensus on when such treatment should be offered.

INTERPRETATION

Headache frequently occurs after lumbar puncture. There is substantial evidence for recommending the use of a thin, atraumatic needle to reduce the incidence. For practical reasons, a needle thinner than 22 G is not suitable for diagnostic lumbar puncture.

[Do paediatricians perform lumbar puncture correctly? Review of recommendations and analysis the technique in Spain]

INTRODUCTION

Lumbar puncture (LP) is a commonly performed procedure in paediatrics. Performing this technique properly can avoid the most common associated complications.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether paediatricians and paediatric residents in Spain follow current recommendations for the LP technique.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted by sending a questionnaire by mail through the Spanish Society of Paediatric Emergencies, collecting demographic information and responses to multiple choice questions about LP technique.

RESULTS

A total of 206 questionnaires were analysed, of which 143 (69.5%) were answered by paediatricians, and 63 (30.5%) by paediatric residents. The majority (128; 62.1%) of physicians did not allow parents to be present during LP, 198 (96.1%) routinely use analgesia and sedation; 84 (42%) only used local anaesthesia. The majority of respondents used standard Quincke needles (126; 62.7%). The bevel was correctly positioned when puncturing the dura mater by 22 residents (36.1%) and 21 paediatricians (15.1%), a variation that was statistically significant (P=.001). For neonatal lumbar punctures, 63 paediatricians (46%) and 19 paediatric residents used a butterfly needle which did not contain a stylet, and this difference was also statistically significant (P=.035). Of those surveyed, 190 (92.2%) re-inserted the stylet when re-orientating the needle, and 186 (93%) re-oriented this when removing it. The recommendation of bed rest was made by 195 (94.7%) physicians.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of paediatricians orient the bevel wrongly when inserting the needle during LP, and still use "butterfly" needles in newborns, despite warnings to the contrary. Paediatric residents and less experienced paediatricians follow the recommendations more frequently.

Influence of the pre-operative time in upright sitting position and the needle type on the incidence of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) in patients receiving a spinal saddle block for anorectal surgery

BACKGROUND

A spinal saddle block can be a safe method for anorectal surgery with a low rate of complications when performed with the right technique. A dreaded complication is the post-dural puncture headache (PDPH), which can be decreased by the use of non-cutting spinal needles. Regrettably, cutting Quincke (Q)-type needles are still widely used for economic reasons. Besides size and design of a spinal needle, the pre-operative time in upright sitting position may also influence the incidence of PDPH after spinal saddle block.

METHODS

Within 4 months, 363 patients undergoing anorectal surgery in saddle block technique were randomised to receive either a 27-gauge (G) pencil-point (PP) or a 27-G Q spinal needle and were pre-operatively left in upright sitting position for 10 or 30 min, respectively. The incidence of PDPH was assessed 1 week after the operation via a telephone interview.

RESULTS

Three hundred sixty three patients (219 males/144 females) were analysed. Fifteen patients (4.1%) developed PDPH. Patients receiving spinal anaesthesia with a Q needle suffered significantly more frequently from PDPH [Q: n = 12 (6.6%) vs. PP: n = 3 (1.7%), p = 0.02], but there was no association between PDPH and pre-operative time in the upright position (p = 0.20).

CONCLUSIONS

These data prove that using 27-G PP needles is the method with the fewest side effects caused by spinal saddle block, and suggest that the time spent sitting in the upright position is not clinically relevant.

Documentation of cerebrospinal fluid opening pressure and other important aspects of lumbar puncture in acute headache

BACKGROUND

Measuring cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) opening pressure by lumbar puncture (LP) is an essential tool in the investigation of patients with acute headache.

AIM

To assess documentation of opening CSF pressure in those with acute headache undergoing LP. General documentation of the procedure and CSF investigations was also assessed.

METHODS

Retrospective review of medical records of patients admitted to a teaching hospital Acute Medical Admissions Unit over a three-month period with a presenting complaint of headache.

RESULTS

A total of 106 patients presented with headache of whom 48 patients had at least one LP attempted. Only 41 patients (85%, 95% CI 72-94) had their LP documented. Of 47 patients that had a successful LP, 22 (47%) had a recorded opening pressure. Eighteen (32%) of all patients had their position recorded, with seven (15%) patients having had position and opening pressure documented. Twenty patients (43%) had the appropriate results documented. Twelve patients (31%) had paired serum glucose measured.

CONCLUSIONS

Documentation of a LP for headache in the acute setting was generally poor. CSF opening pressure measurement was frequently omitted and no appropriate action taken if high. Paired serum glucose was rarely measured. Acute physicians may benefit from a proposed protocol and documentation sticker.

High incidence of post-dural puncture headache in patients with spinal saddle block induced with Quincke needles for anorectal surgery: a randomised clinical trial

PURPOSE

Spinal saddle block represents nearly the ideal anaesthesia technique for anorectal surgery. Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a dreaded complication but can be decreased by the use of non-cutting spinal needles to rates less than 1%. Though, cutting Quincke type needles are still widely used for economic reasons, leading to a higher rate of PDPH. We performed this study to demonstrate a reduction of PDPH by the use of very small 29-G compared with commonly used 25-G Quincke type spinal needles.

METHODS

Two hundred sixteen adult patients (male/female, 19-83 years, ASA status I-III) were randomised 1:1 to groups, in which either a 25-G or a 29-G Quincke type spinal needle was used for a spinal saddle block. The incidence of PDPH was assessed during 1 week after surgery.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine of 216 patients developed PDPH but there was no difference between the two needle sizes (25-G, n = 18/106 vs. 29-G, n = 21/110, p = 0.6870). Women suffered significantly more from PDPH than men (23/86 vs. 16/130, p = 0.0069). Ambulatory patients had a later onset of PDPH than in-patients (24 h [0.5-72] vs. 2 h [0.2-96], p = 0.0002) and the headache was more severe in these patients (NRS 7 [2-10] vs. NRS 3 [1-8], p = 0.0009).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of 29-G compared with 25-G Quincke needles led to no reduction of PDPH and is considerably higher compared with data from pencil-point needles. The use of non-cutting or pencil-point spinal needles should become the standard for performing spinal saddle block.

Postdural puncture headache and pregabalin

BACKGROUND

Even if carried out under optimal conditions, postdural puncture headache is still a frustrating and unpleasant complication in spinal anesthesia. This syndrome has an estimated incidence from less than 1% to about 5% of patients undergoing spinal anesthesia, even in the highest risk subset, the young, female, and pregnant population.

CASE PRESENTATION

In our two female cases, headaches started following spinal anesthesia on the 11th and 14th hours, respectively. No response was obtained from patients diagnosed with postdural puncture headache with classical treatments such as bed rest, hydration, oral analgesic, and caffeine combination as well as intravenous theophylline application. The treatment of oral pregablin, commonly used for cases that rejected epidural blood patch, caused a significant decrease in headache severity. Later, the two cases whose headaches were completely resolved were discharged from the hospital on the post-operative 7th day.

CONCLUSION

Postdural puncture headache is one of the most common complications of spinal anesthesia. Cerebral spinal fluid leakage into the epidural space has been proposed as the main mechanism responsible for this syndrome. Multiple methods of treatment have been applied with wide-ranging results. We detected that oral pregabalin application caused a significant decrease in the difficult and severe postdural puncture headaches of both our cases who did not respond to conventional treatments.

Meningeal (postdural) puncture headache, unintentional dural puncture, and the epidural blood patch: a national survey of United States practice

BACKGROUND

Meningeal (postdural) puncture headache (MPH) is a familiar iatrogenic complication. The optimal means of prevention, management, and treatment of this disorder are uncertain. The purpose of this study was to determine current practice among United States (USA) anesthesiologists regarding MPH as well as the related issues of unintentional dural puncture (UDP), the epidural blood patch (EBP), and proposed alternatives to the EBP.

METHODS

A survey form was sent as a single mailing to each practicing USA member of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine in June 2006.

RESULTS

Data were analyzed from 1024 returned survey forms (29.4% response rate). Major findings were as follows: Written institutional protocols for managing UDP and MPH are uncommon. The preferred method of immediately dealing with an UDP when providing analgesia for labor is to reattempt the epidural at another level (73.4%). When intrathecal catheters are used for labor analgesia, they are most often removed immediately after delivery (56.5%). After UDP in the obstetric setting, aggressive hydration and encouraging bed rest are the most frequently used prophylactic measures against the development of MPH. Frequently used treatment options for MPH include aggressive hydration, the EBP, oral caffeine, oral nonopioid analgesics, and bed rest. With the exception of a uniform blood volume (16-20 mL), procedural details of the EBP vary considerably among practitioners. The use of materials other than blood for epidural patch is uncommon.

CONCLUSIONS

Various measures, many poorly supported by the literature, are used prophylactically after UDP and in the treatment of MPH. Despite being nearly universally used as treatment of MPH, the EBP procedure itself remains largely nonstandardized.