Factors Predisposing to Post Dural Puncture Headache in Children

Abstract

Background: Knowledge of the factors that predispose to postdural puncture headache in children may help reduce the occurrence of this complication.

Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study of children who presented to the study institution between 2010 and 2018 was conducted. Children were divided into 2 groups: those who experienced postdural puncture headache and those who did not. The 2 groups were compared with respect to certain demographic, technical, and personnel-related factors. Only children who had opening pressure documented during the procedure were included in the core study group.

Results: In univariate analysis, children aged ≥10 years, female gender, children with higher body mass index, standard blinded lumbar puncture procedure, use of sedation, higher opening pressure, and presence of pseudotumor cerebri increased the probability of postdural puncture headache. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, presence of pseudotumor cerebri was the only factor that attained statistical significance when the opening pressure was measured and documented.

Conclusions: The risk factors for postdural puncture headache in a pediatric cohort varied from risk factors that are classically implicated in adults.

Keywords: lumbar puncture; pediatric; post dural puncture headache; predisposing factors.