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The incidence of post dural puncture headache in children
1Department of Anaesthetics, Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham.
Insights
Pediatric malignant disease patients undergoing lumbar puncture under general anesthesia showed no headaches in those under ten. Older children (10-18 years) experienced post-dural puncture headaches at higher rates.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neurology
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Lumbar puncture is a common procedure for children with malignant diseases.
- Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a known complication, particularly in adults.
- Limited data exists on PDPH incidence in pediatric oncology patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) in pediatric patients with malignant diseases.
- To investigate the relationship between age and PDPH following lumbar puncture under general anesthesia.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 105 pediatric patients with malignant disease undergoing lumbar puncture.
- General anesthesia was administered for the procedure.
- A questionnaire was used to assess PDPH incidence over three days post-procedure.
Main Results:
- No headaches were reported in children under ten years of age.
- Two out of seventeen children aged 10-12 years (11.8%) developed PDPH.
- Five out of ten children aged 13-18 years (50%) developed PDPH.
Conclusions:
- Age appears to be a significant factor in PDPH development in pediatric oncology patients.
- Adolescents undergoing lumbar puncture under general anesthesia have a higher risk of PDPH.
- Further research may inform strategies to mitigate PDPH in this vulnerable population.
Abstract:
One hundred and five children with malignant disease attended for lumbar puncture which was performed under general anaesthesia. A questionnaire was answered over the next three days to determine the incidence of post dural puncture headache Ninety-seven questionnaires were returned and the results show that no child aged under ten years developed a headache. Of the children aged 10-12 years, two out of seventeen developed a headache (11.8%). In children aged 13-18 years, five out of ten developed a headache (50%).