A pilot study comparing dural puncture epidural with 27G Whitacre needle and conventional lumbar epidural labor analgesia

Background The dural puncture epidural (DPE) technique is relatively a new technique of labor analgesia and has been advocated with the advantage of faster onset of pain relief. However, there are differences of opinion regarding the efficacy of the DPE technique and the size of the spinal needle to be used for the DPE. Various studies have suggested that DPE can only be done with a larger gauge of a spinal needle; however, recent studies have variable observations. We have compared the conventional lumbar epidural analgesia and DPE using a 27G pencil-point needle to assess the efficacy of DPE and its possible side effects. Results The time to achieve a 50% reduction in VAS was 7.06 ± 0.79 min in group CLE (n = 15) and 5.0 ± 1.06 min in group DPE (n = 15) (difference of two means was 2.06, 95% CI [1.36, 2.75], t = 5.99, p < 0.0001). The time to achieve VAS < 3 in group CLE was 14.93 ± 1.98 min, and in the group DPE, it was 10.13 ± 1.45 min (difference of two means was 4.8, 95% CI [3.52, 6.09], t = 7.55, p < 0.0001). The mode of delivery, APGAR scores, and side effects were comparable (p > 0.05). Conclusions DPE provided faster relief of labor pain than the conventional labor epidural analgesia. There were no added side effects by DPE in conventional lumbar epidural analgesia for labor. A 27G Whitacre pencil-point needle can be used for DPE. Trial registration CTRI, CTRI/2020/08/027060. Registered on 10/08/2020. Trial registered prospectively. CTRI website URL: http://ctri.nic.in

Correlation of skin epidural distance and posterior epidural space depth with age, weight, height, BMI, abdominal girth and position of the patient: A prospective randomised study

Lumbar epidural block is a commonly used procedure for providing anaesthesia, post-operative analgesia in all groups of patients irrespective of age, sex, weight and height of the patients. The knowledge of posterior space is important in view of the fact that this is the space where drugs for epidural anaesthesia/ analgesia are used. The knowledge of variability of this space with physical parameters of the patient, help us in reducing the incidence of total spinal anaesthesia.Two hundred adult patients in the age group of 20-60 years requiring subarachnoid block were chosen for the study. Using 22G Quincke spinal needle, epidural space was identified and skin epidural distance was measured. Proceeding the spinal needle further, causes needle to lie in subarachnoid space. The skin subarachnoid distance was measured. The difference between skin-subarachnoid distance and skin epidural distance denoted the posterior epidural space width. Its correlation with physical parameters was studied.Mean skin epidural distance was 4.30 ±0.57 in lateral position and 4.05 ± 0.57 in sitting position, the difference being statistically significant. (P= 0.002). There was positive correlation between skin epidural distance with weight, BMI and abdominal girth of the patient. Mean posterior epidural space depth was 0.468+14 cm in lateral position and 0.459+0.14 cm in sitting position, the difference being statistically insignificant. There was a positive correlation between posterior epidural space depth and height of the patient.The skin epidural distance varies with weight, BMI, abdominal girth and position of the patient. The posterior epidural space depth varies with the height of the patients.

Reinvestigation on Newer Facts to Anticipate, Avoid And Mitigate The Development of Post-Dural Puncture Headache-A Prospective Cohort Study

Purpose: Various researchers have described the size and the type of spinal needle used for neuraxial anesthesia as the most common risk factor for developing postdural puncture headache (PDPH). Even though the occurrence of the PDPH is rare in modern anesthesia practice, we come across many such patients despite following all guidelines or precautions. Patient-related factors for developing PDPH are relatively understudied. For that, clinical features commonly present in such patients may require a thorough investigation. Methods: This prospective cohort study included fifty patients admitted for lower extremities orthopedic surgeries and developed PDPH following the neuraxial blockade. We screened all patients in this study for the presence or absence of common manifestations suggestive of connective tissue disorders (CTD). The other outcomes, like the effect of spinal needle size/type to develop PDPH and time to develop PDPH, were also measured. Results: Almost all PDPH patients included in this study had common features suggestive of CTD: the ligamentous laxity (96%), high-arched palate (96%), the blue sclera (45%), joint hyperextensibility (82%), and ejection clicks (64%). PDPH occurred more frequently with the 25G spinal needle of Quincke type than 27G of Whitacre type (82% vs. 18%). The mean (SD) headache freedom time was 73.14 (24.74) hours. Conclusions: The CTD might also be a causative factor responsible for the development of PDPH in some individuals. It can be considered a risk factor to anticipate, avoid, and mitigate the development of PDPH.

Comparison of post-dural puncture headache incidence among patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia for elective caesarean section by using quincke 25-G and 29-G spinal needles

Background: Multiple complications including hypotension, nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, transient neurological symptoms and headache have been associated with spinal anaesthesia. Importantly, post dural puncture headache (PDPH) varies with the type and size of spinal needle employed for inducing anaesthesia. Here, we aimed to compare the frequency of PDPH in patients underwent spinal anaesthesia for elective caesarean section using 25-gauge (G) and 29-G Quincke spinal needle.Methods: We designed a randomized control trial at Obstetrics and Gynecology Operation Theatres, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. A total of 152 patients having age 30.28±8.21 years were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups each comprising of 76 patients. In group 1, spinal anaesthesia was performed using 25-G Quincke spinal needle while in group 2 spinal anaesthesia was administered employing 29-G Quincke spinal needle. A standard dose of 10.5-12.0 mg (1.4-1.6 ml) of 0.75% bupivacaine is infiltrated in subarachnoid space at lumber region L3-L4 or L4-L5 following aseptic measures. The patients were evaluated for PDPH during the follow up period.Results: The previous history of PDPH was observed in 20.39% patients. The comparative study showed that the PDPH was observed in 12 (15.7%) patients in group 1 while the group 2 revealed PDPH in only 2 (2.6%) patients.Conclusions: Thus 29-G spinal needle can be regarded as a better option to reduce PDPH in patients subjected to spinal anaesthesia for elective cesarean in contrast to the use of 25-G Quincke spinal needle.

Computed tomography-guided transforaminal lumbar puncture using local anesthesia and a straight 22-gauge spinal needle for intrathecal nusinersen in adults: Findings in 77 procedures

Background Intrathecal nusinersen is the first Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for spinal muscular atrophy. Reliable intrathecal access is critical for initial and maintenance therapy; however, this can be challenging in older patients with spinal muscular atrophy many of whom have had prior lumbar instrumentation and osseous fusion. Transforaminal lumbar punctures have emerged as a technique for intrathecal access that avoids the hazards of cervical punctures. We describe our technique for transforaminal lumbar punctures under computed tomography guidance using local anesthesia and a straight 22-gauge needle. Methods Following local institutional review board approval, medical records of all patients undergoing computed tomography-guided transforaminal lumbar puncture for intrathecal nusinersen injection were obtained and analyzed. The rate of technical success and immediate complications were recorded. Any delayed complications noted in a 3-day follow-up phone call and future office visit were also recorded. Data collation and analysis were performed using Excel. Results A total of 77 transforaminal lumbar punctures were performed with intrathecal administration of nusinersen, for a 100% technical success rate. Local anesthesia was used in 76 cases, with conscious sedation used in one case. General anesthesia was not used in any case. There were no major complications. One patient had a postdural puncture headache that resolved completely after a transforaminal epidural blood patch performed 4 days later. Conclusions Intrathecal administration of nusinersen is critical for treatment of patients with spinal muscular atrophy. Our described technique allows for reliable access to the intrathecal space using local anesthesia and a straight 22-gauge spinal needle under computed tomography guidance, and is easily reproducible.