Comparing Ultrasonography and Surface Landmark-Guided Lumbar Puncture in Patients with Obesity and Difficult Anatomy; a Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction

Previous studies have shown higher lumbar puncture (LP) success rates when using ultrasound guidance. This study aimed to compare the first-attempt success rate of ultrasound-guided LP with blind technique of needle insertion using the palpable spinal surface landmark in patients with obesity or a difficult anatomy.

Methods

This prospective randomized controlled study was performed at the emergency department of Ramathibodi Hospital, an academic tertiary university hospital, from August 2015 to July 2016.

Results

40 patients were enrolled (20 surface landmark-guided and 20 ultrasound-guided LPs). 52.5% of the patients were male with the mean age of 60.33 ± 4.24 years. The first-attempt success rate in the ultrasound-guided LP group was significantly higher than the landmark-guided LP group (80% vs. 35%, respectively), with risk difference (RD) of 45.00% (95% confidence interval (CI): 17.72%, 72.28%). This indicated absolute risk reduction and number needed to treat of 45.00% and 2.22, respectively. The median procedural duration required to achieve successful LP in the ultrasound-guided LP group was significantly shorter than the surface landmark-guided LP group (5 [IQR: 3-18] minutes vs. 13.5 [IQR: 5-30] minutes, respectively). Traumatic puncture as a complication occurred less frequently in the ultrasound-guided LP group than the surface landmark-guided LP group with risk ratio (RR) = 0.33 (95% CI: 0.08, 1.46) and RD = -20.00% (95% CI: -44.00%, 4.00%). This indicated absolute risk reduction and number needed to harm of 20.00% and 5.00, respectively. However, the difference was not significant.

Conclusion

Using ultrasound to help localize the insertion point before LP increased the first-attempt success rate and improved other LP outcomes in Thai patients with obesity or a difficult anatomy. It also shortened the procedural duration and reduced the incidence of traumatic tap.

Optimized Method of Unilateral Spinal Anesthesia: A Double-blind, Randomized Clinical Study

Background

Unilateral spinal anesthesia is often accompanied by technical difficulties in implementation, multiple puncture attempts, unsuccessful punctures, and, as a result, insufficient anesthesia, along with various complications associated with a dural puncture.

Objectives

This work compares the efficacy and safety of conventional Unilateral Spinal Anesthesia (USpA) and unilateral spinal anesthesia with electrical nerve stimulation (USpA+ENS).

Methods

A total of 134 patients with an upcoming vascular surgery on one lower extremity were randomly assigned to two groups. All the patients were positioned with the operated limb below and used 7.5 mg of Bupivacaine-Spinal®. In the UsPA group, anesthesia was performed according to the standard technique. In the USpA+ENS group, electrical nerve stimulation was additionally used. Primary outcomes were the presence or absence of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH), number of puncture attempts, lateralization, and anesthesia adequacy. Secondary outcomes were intraoperative pain scores, the presence or absence of nausea and vomiting, and the need for hemodynamics correction.

Results

The frequency of puncture complications was sufficiently lower in the USpA+ENS group than in the UsPA group. The local anesthetic solution distribution, pain score indicators, and secondary outcomes were comparable in both groups with a slight difference.

Conclusions

We showed that USpA+ENS reduces the incidence of puncture complications and improves the quality of anesthesia and adherence of both patients and anesthesiologists to the unilateral spinal anesthesia technique.

Ultrasound imaging versus palpation method for diagnostic lumbar puncture in neonates and infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

Lumbar puncture (LP) failure rates vary and can be as high as 65%. Ultrasound guidance could increase the success of performing LP.

OBJECTIVE

To summarise the evidence on the use of ultrasound guidance versus palpation method for LP.

DATA SOURCES

We searched computerised databases and published indexes, registries and references identified from bibliographies of pertinent articles without any language restrictions to find studies that compared ultrasound guidance to palpation method for performing an LP.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies were included if they were randomised or quasirandomised trials in neonates and infants that compared ultrasound guidance with palpation method for performing an LP.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Standardised data collection tool was used for data extraction, and two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the studies.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was the risk of LP failure, while the risk of traumatic tap, needle redirections/reinsertions and procedure durations were secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Data from four studies and 308 participants is included in the analysis. Ultrasound imaging reduced the risk of LP failure, risk ratio of 0.58 (95% CI 0.15 to 2.28), but it was not statistically significant (p=0.44). Ultrasound imaging significantly reduced the risk of a traumatic tap risk ratio of 0.33 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.82) and p=0.02. The included studies had low to moderate quality; the studies differed based on mean age and with variability on outcome definition.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This meta-analysis suggests that ultrasound imaging has no effect in increasing lumbar success but is beneficial in reducing the risk of traumatic taps in neonates and infants.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42017055800.

Fever and Seizure in a Young Infant: A Simulation Case

INTRODUCTION

Fever in early infancy is a common problem for which management can be challenging. All residents need to be able to recognize critical illness such as meningitis in febrile infants and manage complications such as seizures. Many new residents are not competent performing bedside procedures as there is little opportunity to perform them while in medical school. This simulation case revolves around fever and subsequent seizures in an infant. Designed to last 2 hours, the case is specific for subinterns but is relevant for clerkship students and interns in pediatrics, family medicine, and emergency medicine.

METHODS

In this case, a 5-week-old infant presents with fever and lethargy. He develops seizures with respiratory depression requiring antiseizure medication and respiratory support. His final diagnosis is bacterial meningitis. Major equipment required includes an infant mannequin and an infant lumbar puncture task trainer.

RESULTS

A pilot study was conducted in 2015 with all subinterns on the pediatric service. Students' perceived competence in diagnosis/management, procedural skills, and managing complex pediatric cases rose sharply after completing the session. Critical actions include obtaining IV access, performing blood and urine cultures, considering lumbar puncture, recognizing respiratory depression, performing bag and mask ventilation, administering antiseizure medication, counseling parents, and starting appropriate anti-infective therapy.

DISCUSSION

This clinical simulation case allows students to demonstrate clinical reasoning skills, procedural skills such as performing a lumbar puncture and bag-mask ventilation, and management skills. Materials are provided for students to perform self-assessments of perceived competency in procedural, diagnosis, and management skills related to the case.

The Relationship Between Patients' Anthropometric Characteristics and Depth of Spinal Needle Insertion

Background

Many surgeries are performed under spinal anesthesia. Inexperienced practitioners may find it difficult to obtain subarachnoid access.

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the relationship between patients’ anthropometric characteristics and depth of spinal needle insertion to the subarachnoid cavity.

Patients and Methods

385 patients with ASA class I – II, aged 18 - 65 years and undergoing elective surgery of the lower abdomen and extremities under spinal anesthesia, were selected for this cross-sectional study. The patients’ demographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), and anthropometric characteristics (height, weight, waist circumference, and arm circumference) were recorded. Linear regression and t-student tests were used to study the relationship between anthropometric characteristics and BMI, and depth of needle insertion.

Results

Of the 385 patients studied, 88 were female and 297 were male. There was a strong correlation between the depth of needle insertion and BMI (24.9 ± 3.9), and between depth and weight/height ratio (r = 0.95 and r = 0.92, respectively). There was no significant correlation between depth of needle insertion and weight, height, gender, or arm circumference, when considered separately. The statistical predicting models showed that the following relationship was observed between the needle depth and the weight/height ratio: A: needle depth = 0.69 + (10.1 × weight/height); B: needle depth = 0.56 + (0.18 × BMI).

Conclusions

The results of this study show that there is a strong relationship between depth of needle insertion and BMI, and between depth and the weight/height ratio; appropriate depths can be determined according to the equations obtained.

Effect of two Different Concentrations of Propofol and Ketamine Combinations (Ketofol) in Pediatric Patients under Lumbar Puncture or Bone Marrow Aspiration

BACKGROUND

Ketamine is an anesthetic drug that is importantly analgesic without respiratory depression. Ketamine increases blood pressure and heart rate. Propofol is an anesthetic drug with good sedation, rapid recovery, but it causes respiratory depression, low heart rate and low blood pressure. Combination of Ketamine and Propofol provides sedation, analgesia and rapid recovery with hemodynamic stability and minimal respiratory depression. The aim of this study was to compare two different combinations of these two drugs to reach necessary sedation scale for the Lp or BMA in pediatric with ALL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This randomized, double blinded study was designed to compare the quality of sedation and side effects of intravenous Ketofol on 60 patients of both gender. Patients received titrated injection of a solution containing combination of one part of Ketamine and two parts of Propofol (1:2) (group I) or one part of Ketamine and three parts of Propofol (1:3) (group II) to reach almost near 5 sedation level (using Ramsay Sedation Scale). Respiratory and hemodynamic profiles, amount of drug injected and side effects were recorded.

RESULTS

These drug combinations were used on 60 children with a median age of 6.2 years. In this study, recovery time and hallucination was significantly high in group I, but in both groups hemodynamic were stable, amnesia was enough, and there was no respiratory depression.

CONCLUSION

Lower doses of Ketamine in these combinations have lower psycho mimetic side effects, and shorter recovery time.

General anesthesia for lumbar puncture and bone marrow aspiration /biopsy in children with cancer

BACKGROUND

Multiple procedures (Lumbar puncture and bone marrow aspiration /biopsy) cause pain, stress, depression and etc for the patients and their families. Various methods have been recommended for pain reduction during invasive procedures. The aim of this study is to report the complications following general anesthesia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this prospective observational study, two hundred and two children with cancer were enrolled. All patients received propofol 2.5 mg /kg and fentanyl 1 µg/kg. After adequate anesthesia, procedures were performed by a pediatric oncologist. All anesthesia complications were classified into two groups: Intraoperative and Postoperative complications. Complications which were recorded include: abnormal age-specific bradycardia (≤20 × baseline), decrease in arterial oxygen saturation (≤90%), laryngospasm, vomiting, agitation, headache, hypothermia (<35 C°), hyperthermia (>37/8 C°), signs of allergy, traumatic LP (bloody), and unusual local bleeding.

RESULTS

In this study, 118 males and 84 females underwent 623 general anesthetic procedures with a median of 3 procedures per patient. Intraoperative period complications occurred in 48 of total 623 procedures (7.7 %). The most common complications were traumatic LP, bradycardia and decrease in arterial oxygen saturation which occurred in 25, 6 and 6 cases, respectively. Postoperative period complications occurred in 74 (11.9%) cases. The most common complications were vomiting, agitation and headache, decrease O2 saturation and bradycardia.

CONCLUSION

General anesthesia by propofol and fentanyl may be a good choice for short-term painful procedures in children undergoing treatment for bone marrow aspiration/biopsy and intratechal injection.

Evaluation of pre lumbar puncture position on post lumbar puncture headache

BACKGROUND

The most common complication of lumbar puncture (LP) occurring in over thirty percent of patients is headache. The position after lumbar puncture, needle type and size, and volume of the extracted cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have been evaluated as contributory factors in occurrence of post lumbar puncture headache (PLPH), but the position before lumbar puncture has not been evaluated.

METHODS

The occurrence of post lumbar puncture headache was evaluated in 125 patients undergoing lumbar puncture, divided randomly into sitting and lateral decubitus groups in the following five days. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty eight patients (30.4%) reported headache after lumbar puncture in the two groups, and post lumbar puncture headache was significantly lower in the lateral decubitus position (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference between genders in the post lumbar puncture headache occurrence (p = 0.767).

CONCLUSIONS

Lumbar puncture in sitting position could produce more post lumbar puncture headache in comparison with lateral decubitus position.