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Published on: February 29, 2020
Cerebrospinal fluid cutaneous fistula after epidural analgesia in a child
Liana Hosu1, Mark J Meyer, Kenneth R Goldschneider
1Division of Pain Management, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
Insights
Cerebrospinal fluid cutaneous fistulae are rare complications of neuraxial procedures. This case report details the successful management of a pediatric case, highlighting diagnostic and treatment considerations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cutaneous fistulae are infrequent complications following neuraxial needle procedures.
- Management guidelines for pediatric CSF cutaneous fistulae are lacking.
Observation:
- A case of persistent CSF cutaneous fistula in a child following epidural analgesia is presented.
- Diagnosis in young children presents unique challenges.
Findings:
- Careful assessment and prompt treatment led to an excellent outcome in the pediatric patient.
- Technical aspects of managing CSF cutaneous fistulae were considered.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of vigilant assessment for CSF cutaneous fistulae in pediatric patients post-neuraxial procedures.
- Further research and clear management guidelines are needed for these rare complications.
Background And Objectives:
Cerebrospinal fluid cutaneous fistulae are rare complications of neuraxial needle procedures.
Case Report:
We present the first reported case of a persistent cerebrospinal fluid cutaneous fistula in a child who underwent epidural analgesia. Careful assessment and circumspect treatment of this cerebrospinal fluid cutaneous fistula led to an excellent outcome in this child.
Conclusions:
Assessment can be challenging in young children, and guidelines for management are absent. Technical issues in treatment are discussed in addition to pitfalls in diagnosis in young children.
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