Chronic consequences of accidental dural puncture and postdural puncture headache in obstetric anaesthesia - sieving through the evidence.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Accidental dural puncture (ADP) and postdural puncture headache (PDPH) are relatively common complications of neuraxial anaesthesia and analgesia in obstetrics. Both may result in acute and chronic morbidity. This review intends to discuss the chronic implications of ADP and PDPH and raise awareness of severe and potentially life-threatening conditions associated with them. RECENT FINDINGS: ADP may be associated with a high rate of PDPH, prolonged hospitalization and increased readmissions. Studies have shown that PDPH may lead to chronic complications such as post-partum depression (PPD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic headache, backache and reduced breastfeeding rates. There are many case reports indicating that major, severe, life-threatening neurologic complications may follow PDPH in obstetric patients including subdural haematoma and cerebral venous thrombosis. SUMMARY: Many clinicians still believe that ADP and PDPH are benign and self-limiting conditions whereas there may be serious and devastating consequences of both. It is imperative that all women with ADP and PDPH are appropriately diagnosed and treated.

Therapeutic effect of a single lumbar puncture in idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a neurological disorder characterized by increased intracranial pressure. Whilst lumbar puncture (LP) is necessary for the diagnosis of IIH, its therapeutic effect remains unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of a single LP in people with IIH (pwIIH). METHODS: In this prospective observational study, we analysed short-term neurological and ophthalmological outcomes in pwIIH before, one (D1) and seven days (D7) after the LP. The primary outcome was the change in papilledema degree from baseline. Secondary outcomes included visual outcomes, morphological changes in optical coherence tomography (peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer [pRNFL] thickness and ganglion cell layer [GCL] volume) and transbulbar sonography (arachnoid optic nerve sheath diameter [AONSD]), and headache outcomes (peak and median headache severity and burden related to headache). RESULTS: We included 30 pwIIH (mean age 32.8 years [SD 8.4], 93.3% female, median cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] opening pressure 33.0 cmCSF [IQR 26.9-35.3], median body mass index (BMI) 34.8 kg/m2 [IQR 30.9-40.9]). The median papilledema grading at baseline was 2 (Friedman DI (1999) Pseudotumor cerebri. Neurosurg Clin N Am 10(4):609-621 viii); (Mollan SP, Aguiar M, Evison F, Frew E, Sinclair AJ (2019) The expanding burden of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Eye Lond Engl 33(3):478-485); (Ab D, Gt L, Nj V, Sl G, Ml M, Nj N et al. (2007) Profiles of obesity, weight gain, and quality of life in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri). Am J Ophthalmol [Internet]. Apr [cited 2024 Jun 2];143(4). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17386271/ ) and was significantly reduced at D7 (2 [1-2], p = 0.011). Median pRNFL thickness had decreased significantly at D7 (-9 µm [-62.5, -1.3], p = 0.035), with pRNFL thickness at baseline being associated with the pRNFL change (F(1,11) = 18.79, p = 0.001). Mean AONSD had decreased significantly at both D1 (-0.74 mm [0.14], p < 0.001) and D7 (-0.65 mm [0.17], p = 0.01), with AONSD at baseline being associated with the change in AONSD at both time points (D1: ß= -0.89, 95% CI -1.37, -0.42, p = 0.002; D7: ß= -0.85, 95% CI -1.42, -0.28, p = 0.007). Peak headache severity was slightly lower at D7 (-1/10 [-3, 0], p = 0.026), whereas median headache severity and headache burden remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: This short-term follow-up study in pwIIH undergoing a single LP suggests a moderate effect on ophthalmological but not headache outcomes. The usefulness of LP as a therapeutic measure in IIH remains controversial and should likely be reserved for patients with limited treatment options, e.g., in pregnancy or intolerability to medication.

Controlled lumbar cerebrospinal fluid drainage effectively decreases the need for second and third tier interventions for intracranial hypertension in severe traumatic brain injury patients.

INTRODUCTION: Early treatment of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is a cornerstone of the therapy in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. Treatment of refractory high ICP however, remain challenging as only limited and risky third-tier therapeutic interventions are available. Controlled lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage has been known as an efficient method of ICP reduction after TBI for decades, but it is not recommended in international guidelines because of low evidence background and safety issues. Our centre has a long-standing experience using this intervention for more than 15 years. Here we present our data about the safety and efficacy of controlled lumbar drainage to avoid further second- and third tier ICP lowering therapies and beneficially influence functional outcome. METHODS: Observational (retrospective and prospective) analysis was performed using demographic, clinical and outcome data of severe TBI patients admitted to our centre. Analysis was retrospective between 2008 and 2013 and prospective from 2014 to 2019. Only severe TBI patients (GCS<9) with ICP monitoring were enrolled. Lumbar drainage (LD) was used as a second-tier therapy to control intracranial hypertension in salvageable patients with normal haemostasis and discernible basal cisterns on pre-interventional CT scan. RESULTS: Data of 45 patients were analysed. Patients were young, comatose and with severe injuries (median age: 29, GMS: 4, ISS: 25). Lumbar drain was inserted mainly on the first week and maintained for further 5 days. Episodes of intracranial hypertension (ICP>20 Hgmm) within one day (10 vs 2) were reduced. The need of additional second- and third-line therapies (deep sedation, hyperventilation, barbiturate administration, decompressive craniectomy) also significantly decreased (60 vs 25 interventions, p<0.001). The in-hospital mortality and 6-month functional outcome were more favourable than the whole TBI population and as predicted by prognostic calculations (mortality: 16% vs. 48 %; GOSE 1-4: 49% vs. 65% vs CRASH: 87% vs. IMPACT: 51 %) in this period. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the view that controlled lumbar drainage is a highly efficient method to manage intracranial hypertension and significantly decreases the need of further harmful ICP lowering therapies without altering functional outcome of severe TBI patients.

Biomarker changes in suspected idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus patients undergoing external lumbar drainage: a pilot study.

AIM: To examine whether changes in biomarker concentrations in patients with idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) during 72 h of external lumbar drainage (ELD) can differentiate between responders and non-responders. METHODS: Twenty patients with clinical and neuroradiological signs of iNPH underwent ELD over a period of 72 h. During this period, changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of biomarkers (amyloid-ß, total and phosphorylated tau proteins) and intracranial pressure were monitored, and the volume of drained CSF was measured. Changes in the concentrations of selected biomarkers at three time points (0, 36, and 72 h) during ELD were tested for association with changes in clinical condition. RESULTS: Ten patients showed significant clinical improvement after ELD, quantified as a difference of two or more points on the Mini-Mental State Examination and/or Japanese iNPH grading scale. The concentration of all tested biomarkers increased during the first 36 h. Respondents had higher Aß 1-42 at all time points, with a significant difference seen after 72 h. They also had a significantly higher Aß1-42/Aß1-40 ratio at all time points. CONCLUSION: A gradual increase in Aß 1-42 concentration during three-day ELD represents a possible positive prognostic factor for the placement of permanent CSF drainage in patients with iNPH.

Parental Preferences and Shared Decision-Making for the Management of Febrile Young Infants.

OBJECTIVE: To inform shared decision-making by identifying parental preferences for the management of their febrile young infant. METHODS: This was a sequential explanatory mixed-methods study using a cross-sectional questionnaire (May 2020-May 2022) followed by qualitative focus groups (September-December 2022) with parents of infants aged ≤60 days evaluated for fever at a tertiary pediatric hospital. Parental expectations, stressors, and desired level of decisional involvement were assessed using multiple-choice and 6-point-Likert scales. Questionnaire results informed the qualitative naturalistic inquiry into parents' decision-making experiences and preferences regarding the need for lumbar puncture (LP) and hospitalization. RESULTS: Among 432 parents (64.9% response), few anticipated the need for LP (10.2%) or hospitalization (20.8%), and these were selected as the most stressful aspects of management. No parent identified lack of decisional involvement as the most important stressor, although nearly all (97.5%) wanted to be involved in management decisions. Six focus groups with a subset of 17 parents revealed 4 main themes: (1) varying preferences for decisional involvement depending on the strength of the medical recommendation; (2) importance of involving parents in their infant's medical care; (3) need for tailored information; and (4) importance of supportive relationships. Parents reported feeling involved in discussions about their infant's care but that decisions regarding LP and hospitalization were usually made by the medical team. CONCLUSIONS: Parents of febrile young infants identified LP and hospitalization as the most unexpected and stressful aspects of care. Understanding individual family expectations and tailoring information based on the strength of medical recommendation is necessary to guide shared decision-making.

Concordance between venous sinus pressure and intracranial pressure in patients investigated for idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a cause of chronic headaches that are probably driven by raised intracranial pressure (ICP). Cerebral venous sinus pressure is thought to play a role in the underlying pathology, but its relation with intracranial pressure requires further investigation. We aimed to evaluate the concordance between lumbar puncture opening pressure (LPOP) as indicator of the ICP and cerebral venous sinus pressure in patients investigated for IIH. METHODS: In this case-series replication study, all patients with IIH suspicion and who underwent cerebral venous sinus pressure measurement followed immediately by LP opening pressure (LPOP) measurement were retrospectively included. Pearson's correlation and measurement agreement (Bland-Altman plots) between venous pressure and LPOP were analyzed. RESULTS: 52 consecutive patients (46 women; median age, 31 years [IQR = 25-42]) were included. The mean pressure in the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) and in the torcular were 20.9mmHg (SD ± 7.3) and 20.8 mmHg (SD ± 6.8), respectively. The mean LPOP was 22mmHg (SD ± 6.4). Pressure measured in the transverse venous sinus, the torcular, and the SSS correlated with LPOP (p < 0.001). Bland-Altman plots showed that torcular pressure strongly agreed with LPOP (mean difference of 1.7mmHg). The limit of agreement (LOA) (mean difference ± 1.96SD) contained 98.1% of the differences between the two methods, confirming the concordance between the two measures. Torcular pressure and LPOP were consistent in patients with a trans-stenotic pressure gradient ≥ or < to 8 mmHg (mean difference: 1mmHg and 2.4mmHg, respectively), and for those with a LP OP ≥ or < to 18mmHg (mean difference: 1.8mmHg and 1.95mmHg, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In patients investigated for IIH, the ICP measured at the LP is correlated and concordant with the torcular pressure. These results confirm previous findings and further corroborate the hypothesis that cerebral venous system plays a major role in CSF dynamics and ICP.

Assessment of neurofluid dynamics in relation to clinical improvement after tap-test: pilot study.

PURPOSE: Idiopathic Normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is an under-diagnosed in elderly patients but none of the diagnostic tests are currently sufficiently sensitive or specific. The objective of this study was to analyze the dynamics of neurofluids by PC-MRI in relation to clinical evolution as measured using the iNPH grading scale after tap-test. METHOD: We prospectively included patients with suspected iNPH. All these patients underwent PCMRI to assess craniospinal hemohydrodynamics with analysis of the stroke volume of the cephalospinal fluid (CSF) within the Sylvius' aqueduct, within the high cervical subarachnoid spaces and the arteriovenous stroke volume. By this means, we calculated a compliance index. Morphological analysis was carried out using the DESH score. The infusion test was measuring the resistance to CSF flow. We analysed all these parameters according to the clinical improvement of the patients. RESULTS: 23 patients were included. Compliance index assessed by PC-MRI was significantly higher in the group of patients with improvement > 10% (p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights the importance of investigating arteriovenous and CSF interactions in iNPH. This involves understanding the physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms related to the circulation of neurofluids. The analysis of the interactions of these neurofluids allows for a comprehensive understanding of the system.

Reduced awareness of cognitive deficits in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus and its change following lumbar puncture.

OBJECTIVE: Awareness of cognitive deficits is related to executive functions and may, therefore, be sensitive to the effects of lumbar puncture (LP) in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). Although a reduction in awareness of cognitive deficits (RACD) has been previously described in iNPH, there is a lack of systematic, psychometrically validated reports. In this study, we investigated RACD and its LP-related changes in iNPH patients and compared them with those in clinical and healthy control groups. METHODS: RACD was assessed before and after lumbar puncture (LP) in 24 patients (14 iNPH, 10 other age-associated cognitive syndromes; AACS) and compared with 23 healthy controls (HC), employing two RACD measures alongside cognitive examination. Local metacognition was measured using a visual percentile-based rating system and operationalized as the t-scaled distance between the participants' task-specific performance estimations and their objective test performance (ΔTSPE). Global metacognition, targeting broader estimates of cognitive functioning (ECF), was quantified by subtracting self- from informant-obtained sum scores on a questionnaire evaluating participants' dysexecutive problems (DEX-DS). Within-group and between-group differences in ΔTSPE and DEX-DS scores were compared non-parametrically, focusing on post-LP changes. RESULTS: Averaged ΔTSPE was higher in the patient groups and mirrored the groups' lower objective test performance, while averaged DEX-DS showed no group difference. Following LP, group comparisons revealed iNPH-specific decrease in both RACD measures. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed LP-related RACD changes in iNPH patients compared to those in AACS and HC participants. The results suggest a mitigation of impaired metacognitive abilities in iNPH, possibly resulting from LP-induced improvements in (local) metacognitive performance, facilitating ECF adjustment alongside a metacognitively stimulating testing procedure.

Radiological signs supporting idiopathic intracranial hypertension in symptomatic patients with lumbar puncture opening pressure < 250 mm.

Lumbar puncture opening pressure (LPOP) exceeding 250mmH2O is key in diagnosing idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), per revised Friedman's criteria. Some patients do not meet LPOP criteria (with or without papilledema), despite having IIH-related symptoms and neuroimaging findings. This study aimed to investigate the radiological findings and clinical symptoms in patients suspected of having IIH without meeting the LPOP criteria. We retrospectively evaluated cerebral venous sinus stenosis using the conduit Farb score (CFS) and other radiological findings suggestive of IIH by computed tomography venography and magnetic resonance venography in females ≥ 18 years-old with chronic headaches, suspected IIH, and LPOP < 250 mm. Eighty-eight women (56 with LPOP < 200 mm H2O and 32 with LPOP ranging between 200 and 250mmH2O) were included. Among patients with LPOP 200-250mmH2O, 40% (12) exhibited three or more radiological findings supporting IIH, compared to 17% (8) in the LPOP < 200 mmH2O group (p = 0.048). Cerebral venous stenosis (CFS ≤ 5) was observed in 80% (24) of those with LPOP 200-250 mmH2O, contrasting with 40% (19) of those with LPOP < 200 mmH2O (p < 0.001). Cerebral venous stenosis was significantly more common in patients with LPOP 200-250 mmH2O than < 200 mmH2O, suggesting that they may benefit from IIH treatment.

Diagnostic workup of acute headache and subarachnoid hemorrhage in a Norwegian population: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: Acute headache may be the primary symptom of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Recent guidelines suggest that non-contrast computed tomography (CT) is adequate to exclude aneurysmal SAH if performed within 6 h after symptom onset. However, most studies of acute headache including CT, lumbar puncture and SAH are multicenter studies from referral hospitals with highly selected patient populations. The main purpose of this study was to describe the diagnostic properties of head CT and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spectrophotometry for detecting SAH in an unselected primary hospital population with acute headache. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at a large primary hospital serving roughly 10% of the Norwegian population. Diagnostic workup from consecutive patients evaluated for acute headache in 2009-2020 were collected. All CSF-spectrophotometry reports were standardized and the same CT scanner was used during the study. RESULTS: A total of 3227 patients were included. Median age was 45 years and 63% were women. In total, 170 (5.3% of all acute headache patients) had SAH. Of 3071 CT-negative patients, 2852 (93%) underwent lumbar puncture. Of the CSF reports, 2796 (98%) were negative for xanthochromia. Overall, the rate for detection of aneurysmal SAH by positive xanthochromia was 9 in 2852 cases (3‰). The miss rate for the detection of an aneurysmal SAH with a CT scan within 6 h was 0 and within 12 h 1 in 2852 cases (0.3‰). CONCLUSION: In acute headache, a CT scan taken within 6 h is practically 100% sensitive for detecting any SAH.

[POCUS in the emergency department: some nervous system applications]. / POCUS aux urgences : quelques applications en lien avec le système nerveux.

Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is used daily to diagnose and treat patients in emergency medicine. This article aims to demonstrate its utility focusing on central and peripheric nervous system pathologies frequently encountered in the emergency department such as difficult lumbar puncture, pain relief for proximal fracture of the femur and the detection of intracranial hypertension. Taught by well trained professionals the learning curve for performing these interventions safely is quick. The developmental potential for peripheral nerve blocks in emergency departments is high, especially for the fascia iliaca block.

Le POCUS (point of care ultrasound) est utilisé quotidiennement dans les services d'urgences à des fins diagnostiques et thérapeutiques. Cet article a pour but de démontrer son utilité dans quelques situations cliniques rencontrées fréquemment aux urgences en lien avec les systèmes nerveux central et périphérique, à savoir la ponction lombaire difficile, l'antalgie lors de fracture du fémur proximal et la détection d'une hypertension intracrânienne. Au contact de personnes formées, la courbe d'apprentissage pour réaliser ces gestes en toute sécurité est rapide. Un fort potentiel de développement existe pour la réalisation des blocs nerveux périphériques dans les services d'urgences, en particulier pour le bloc iliofascial.

Validation of the encephalitis criteria in adults with a suspected central nervous system infection: An updated score.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to validate and refine the encephalitis criteria proposed by the International Encephalitis Consortium in a cohort of adults initially suspected of a central nervous system (CNS) infection. METHODS: We included patients from two prospective cohort studies consisting of adults suspected of a CNS infection whom underwent a diagnostic lumbar puncture. We evaluated the test characteristics of the criteria for both possible and probable encephalitis. The reference standard was a final clinical diagnosis of encephalitis. Recalibration of the criteria was done by adjusting the weight of each criterion based on their respective odds. RESULTS: In total 1446 episodes were evaluated, of whom 162 (11%) had a clinical diagnosis of encephalitis. Possible encephalitis had a sensitivity of 41% (95% CI 33-49) and a specificity of 88% (95% CI 86-90). Probable encephalitis had a sensitivity and specificity of respectively 27% (95% CI 20-34) and 95% (95% CI 94-96). Through odds-based weighting, we recalibrated the weight of each individual criterion, resulting in a model consisting of an altered mental status (weight of 2), seizures (weight of 3), elevated CSF leukocytes (weight of 5) and abnormalities on neuroimaging (weight of 9). We proposed a cut-off at 5 for possible encephalitis, (sensitivity 93% [95% CI 88-96]; specificity 51% [95% 49-54]), and at 8 for probable encephalitis (sensitivity 51% [95% CI 44-59]; specificity 91% [95% CI 89-92]). CONCLUSIONS: We validated and refined the existing diagnostic criteria for encephalitis, leading to a substantially enhanced sensitivity. These updated criteria hold promise to facilitate the accurate identification of encephalitis.

Headache that will not go away...Third ED visit is the charm?

Subdural hematoma is an uncommon complication of epidural analgesia or diagnostic lumbar puncture. Headache is a common complaint for patients with either a subdural hematoma or a post-dural puncture headache. Because post-dural puncture headaches are commonly seen in the Emergency Department, the potential to miss more serious pathology arises. We present the case of a young female who suffered bilateral subdural hematomas following epidural analgesia during childbirth. She presented twice to the Emergency Department and was treated for a post-dural puncture headache before computed tomography imaging revealed the diagnosis on the third Emergency Department encounter. This case highlights the importance of exploring all potential diagnoses when a patient presents with a headache after either epidural analgesia or a diagnostic lumbar puncture, especially if the patient returns after unsuccessful treatment for a presumptive post-dural puncture headache.

CSF formation rate-a potential glymphatic flow parameter in hydrocephalus?

BACKGROUND: Studies indicate that brain clearance via the glymphatic system is impaired in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH). This has been suggested to result from reduced cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) turnover, which could be caused by a reduced CSF formation rate. The aim of this study was to determine the formation rate of CSF in a cohort of patients investigated for INPH and compare this to a historical control cohort. METHODS: CSF formation rate was estimated in 135 (75 ± 6 years old, 64/71 men/women) patients undergoing investigation for INPH. A semiautomatic CSF infusion investigation (via lumbar puncture) was performed. CSF formation rate was assessed by downregulating and steadily maintaining CSF pressure at a zero level. During the last 10 min, the required outflow to maintain zero pressure, i.e., CSF formation rate, was continuously measured. The values were compared to those of a historical reference cohort from a study by Ekstedt in 1978. RESULTS: Mean CSF formation rate was 0.45 ± 0.15 ml/min (N = 135), equivalent to 27 ± 9 ml/hour. There was no difference in the mean (p = 0.362) or variance (p = 0.498) of CSF formation rate between the subjects that were diagnosed as INPH (N = 86) and those who were not (N = 43). The CSF formation rate in INPH was statistically higher than in the reference cohort (0.46 ± 0.15 vs. 0.40 ± 0.08 ml/min, p = 0.005), but the small difference was probably not physiologically relevant. There was no correlation between CSF formation rate and baseline CSF pressure (r = 0.136, p = 0.115, N = 135) or age (-0.02, p = 0.803, N = 135). CONCLUSIONS: The average CSF formation rate in INPH was not decreased compared to the healthy reference cohort, which does not support reduced CSF turnover. This emphasizes the need to further investigate the source and routes of the flow in the glymphatic system and the cause of the suggested impaired glymphatic clearance in INPH.

A horizontal and perpendicular interlaminar approach for intrathecal nusinersen injection in patients with spinal muscular atrophy and scoliosis: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar puncture is challenging for patients with scoliosis. Previous ultrasound-assisted techniques for lumbar puncture used the angle of the probe as the needle trajectory; however, reproducing the angle is difficult and increases the number of needle manipulations. In response, we developed a technique that eliminated both the craniocaudal and lateromedial angulation of the needle trajectory to overall improve this technique. We assessed the feasibility and safety of this method in patients with scoliosis and identify factors related to difficult lumbar puncture. METHODS: Patients with spinal muscular atrophy and scoliosis who were referred to the anesthesia department for intrathecal nusinersen administrations were included. With a novel approach that utilized patient position and geometry, lumbar puncture was performed under ultrasound guidance. Success rates, performance times and adverse events were recorded. Clinical-demographic and spinal radiographic data pertaining to difficult procedures were analyzed. RESULTS: Success was achieved in all 260 (100%) lumbar punctures for 44 patients, with first pass and first attempt success rates of 70% (183/260) and 87% (226/260), respectively. Adverse events were infrequent and benign. Higher BMI, greater skin dural sac depth and smaller interlaminar size might be associated with greater difficulty in lumbar puncture. CONCLUSIONS: The novel ultrasound-assisted horizontal and perpendicular interlaminar needle trajectory approach is an effective and safe method for lumbar puncture in patients with spinal deformities. This method can be reliably performed at the bedside and avoids other more typical and complex imaging such as computed tomography guided procedure.