[Post lumbar puncture headache in general pediatrics: a prospective multicenter study].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the frequency of post lumbar puncture headaches (PLPH) after diagnostic lumbar puncture (LP) and to search for influence factors.


METHODS
Conducted over 6 months into 8 paediatric services, the study concerned 2 to 15 years old children. The LP technic (cannula gauge, bevel orientation, child position, reinsertion of the stylet) was standardised. For each child questionnaires were filled with the parents 3 and 8 days after LP for inquiring headaches, postural characteristics, length and clinical consequences.


RESULTS
Among 84 charts, 71 were exploitable. PLPH were observed in 25% of children. The mean duration was 5.9 days, mean bed rest was 1.4 day and mean antalgic treatment 1.7 day. The frequency of PLPH was not significantly influenced by age and sex, neither by the qualification of the physician performing the LP. The frequency was significantly lower when LP execution was easy (19.6 vs. 46.7%; P < 0.05), and when the child had viral meningitis (8 vs. 34.8%; P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
We have found a more important frequency of PLPH than in previous paediatric studies. Clinical consequences justify other researches to precise influence factors and reduce the frequency of this complication.
Leblanc
A
A
Service de pédiatrie, centre hospitalier sud Francilien, hôpital Louise-Michel, quartier du Canal, Courcouronnes, 91014 Evry cedex, France. antoine.leblanc@ch-sud-francilien.fr
Catrevaux
O
O
Guillaumat
C
C
Robin
L
L
Foucaud
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D001510:Bed Rest; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006261:Headache / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013129:Spinal Puncture / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires