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[Post lumbar puncture headache in general pediatrics: a prospective multicenter study]
A Leblanc1, O Catrevaux, C Guillaumat
1Service de pédiatrie, centre hospitalier sud Francilien, hôpital Louise-Michel, quartier du Canal, Courcouronnes, 91014 Evry cedex, France. antoine.leblanc@ch-sud-francilien.fr
Insights
Post lumbar puncture headaches (PLPH) occurred in 25% of pediatric patients. Easier lumbar puncture (LP) execution and viral meningitis were associated with lower PLPH rates.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Clinical Medicine
Context:
- Diagnostic lumbar puncture (LP) is a common procedure in pediatric care.
- Post-procedural complications, such as post lumbar puncture headaches (PLPH), require further investigation.
- Understanding the incidence and contributing factors of PLPH is crucial for patient management.
Purpose:
- To determine the frequency of post lumbar puncture headaches (PLPH) in children aged 2-15 years.
- To identify factors influencing the occurrence of PLPH after diagnostic lumbar puncture.
- To compare PLPH rates with previous pediatric studies.
Summary:
- A 6-month study in 8 pediatric services involving 71 children (aged 2-15) found a 25% incidence of PLPH.
- PLPH averaged 5.9 days, with 1.4 days of bed rest and 1.7 days of analgesic treatment.
- Easier LP execution (19.6% vs. 46.7%) and viral meningitis (8% vs. 34.8%) significantly reduced PLPH frequency.
Impact:
- This study reports a higher PLPH frequency than previously observed in pediatric populations.
- Findings highlight the need for further research into precise influence factors.
- Reducing PLPH frequency is essential for improving pediatric patient outcomes after lumbar puncture.
Purpose:
To investigate the frequency of post lumbar puncture headaches (PLPH) after diagnostic lumbar puncture (LP) and to search for influence factors.
Patients And Methods:
Conducted over 6 months into 8 paediatric services, the study concerned 2 to 15 years old children. The LP technic (cannula gauge, bevel orientation, child position, reinsertion of the stylet) was standardised. For each child questionnaires were filled with the parents 3 and 8 days after LP for inquiring headaches, postural characteristics, length and clinical consequences.
Results:
Among 84 charts, 71 were exploitable. PLPH were observed in 25% of children. The mean duration was 5.9 days, mean bed rest was 1.4 day and mean antalgic treatment 1.7 day. The frequency of PLPH was not significantly influenced by age and sex, neither by the qualification of the physician performing the LP. The frequency was significantly lower when LP execution was easy (19.6 vs. 46.7%; P < 0.05), and when the child had viral meningitis (8 vs. 34.8%; P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
We have found a more important frequency of PLPH than in previous paediatric studies. Clinical consequences justify other researches to precise influence factors and reduce the frequency of this complication.
