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Post-dural puncture headaches in children. A literature review
Elke Janssens1, Peter Aerssens2, Phillipe Alliët2
1Department of Paediatrics, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Insights
Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a rare complication in children following lumbar puncture. While several factors may increase risk, evidence does not support increased fluids or bed rest for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Neurology
- Medical Complications
Background:
- Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a known complication of neuraxial procedures.
- While recognized in adults, PDPH is infrequently reported in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on PDPH in children.
- To provide recommendations on definition, etiology, incidence, risk factors, prevention, and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review.
- Analysis of reported cases and risk factors associated with PDPH in pediatric patients.
Main Results:
- Significant risk factors for PDPH include patient age, gender, needle characteristics, and procedural details.
- No evidence supports the efficacy of increased fluid intake or bed rest for PDPH prevention.
- Conservative management for 48 hours is recommended, with epidural blood patch as an effective treatment for persistent cases.
Conclusions:
- PDPH following lumbar puncture in children is rare.
- Conflicting data exists regarding specific risk factors, prevention strategies, and treatment modalities.
Unlabelled:
Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a well recognised complication of spinal and epidural anaesthesia. It can also occur after diagnostic or therapeutic lumbar puncture. Few cases have been reported in children. We reviewed the literature regarding definition, aetiology, incidence, risk factors, prevention and treatment, in order to provide some recommendations. Significant factors include age, gender, needle diameter, needle tip design, orientation of the tip during puncture, previous PDPH, history of migraine and repeated attempts to achieve puncture. There is no evidence for the use of increased fluids or bed rest to prevent PDPH. Once the diagnosis is made, conservative therapy is recommended for 48 h. Persistent PDPH can be treated in several ways; an epidural blood patch is one of the most effective methods.
Conclusion:
occurrence of post-dural puncture headache after lumbar puncture in children is rare. There are conflicting data about risk factors, prevention and treatment.
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