Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
08:03

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model

Published on: November 4, 2025

A randomized study to validate a midspinal canal depth nomogram in neonates.

Matthew J Murray1, Owen J Arthurs, Michelle H Hills

  • 1Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom.

American Journal of Perinatology
|June 23, 2009
PubMed
Summary

A new measured technique for neonatal lumbar puncture (LP) did not improve overall success rates. However, it showed promise for less experienced doctors and premature infants, suggesting its utility in training and specific neonatal populations.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Ovarian teratoma and the anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis paraneoplastic phenomenon: A systematic review and analysis of the literature.

Surgical oncology·2026
Same author

Final report of the SIOP-CNS-GCT II protocol for germinoma-omitting radiotherapy boost is safe in localized disease in complete remission after chemotherapy.

Neuro-oncology·2026
Same author

A Potent Inhibitor of Human Cytomegalovirus Infection Works Post-Entry Specifically in Differentiating Myelo-Monocytic Cells.

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)·2026
Same author

The impossible hustle, sustaining pediatric radiology research amidst clinical demands: insights from a European society of pediatric radiology research committee survey.

Pediatric radiology·2026
Same author

Implementation of pediatric and fetal postmortem imaging into clinical practice: a multi-society statement from the ESPR, SPR, SLARP, AOSPR, WFPI, and IAFR.

Pediatric radiology·2026
Same author

Standardised structured fetal and neonatal postmortem magnetic resonance imaging reporting: recommendations from the European Society of Paediatric Radiology Postmortem Task Force.

Pediatric radiology·2026

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Medical Procedural Accuracy

Background:

  • Accurate lumbar puncture (LP) in neonates is crucial for obtaining uncontaminated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples.
  • Previous work established a weight-based nomogram to estimate midspinal canal depth (MSCD) for neonatal LP.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To validate a weight-based nomogram for estimating MSCD in neonates undergoing LP.
  • To assess if a "measured" LP technique, using the nomogram to guide needle depth, improves CSF sample quality compared to a standard "blind" technique.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 99 neonates requiring LP.
  • Infants were assigned to either a standard "blind" LP or a "measured" LP technique, where the needle was marked at the predicted MSCD.

More Related Videos

Spinal Sonography for Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar Neuraxial Anesthesia
03:14

Spinal Sonography for Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar Neuraxial Anesthesia

Published on: January 31, 2025

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
08:03

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model

Published on: November 4, 2025

Spinal Sonography for Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar Neuraxial Anesthesia
03:14

Spinal Sonography for Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar Neuraxial Anesthesia

Published on: January 31, 2025

  • CSF samples were analyzed for blood contamination (red blood cell count), with success defined as clear or mildly bloodstained samples.

    • Main Results:

    • The overall success rate for LP was 56.6%, with no significant difference between the measured (62.7%) and blind (50%) groups.
    • The measured technique showed higher success rates in LPs performed by less experienced doctors (62.8% vs. 45.0%) and in premature infants (80.0% vs. 37.5%).
    • LP success rates decreased significantly with each subsequent attempt, with no success after the third attempt.

    Conclusions:

    • The weight-based nomogram and measured LP technique did not significantly improve overall success rates in this cohort.
    • The measured technique demonstrated potential benefits for novice practitioners and in premature neonates, indicating its value as a training tool.
    • A maximum of three LP attempts is recommended in neonates to minimize patient distress and physiological compromise.