title: Prophylactic epidural blood patch after unintentional dural puncture for the prevention of postdural puncture headache in parturients.
abstract: Unintentional dural puncture is a source of significant morbidity in obstetric patients undergoing neuraxial anesthesia. In this focused review, we discuss the use of a prophylactic epidural blood patch to prevent postdural puncture headache, particularly as it relates to the obstetric population. Although epidural blood patch is thought to be an effective treatment for postdural puncture headache, there is insufficient evidence to support its use as a prophylactic procedure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC 4028, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. AAgerson@dacc.uchicago.edu
authors.forename: Ashley N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Agerson
authors.forename: Barbara M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Scavone
mesh_terms: D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017217:Blood Patch, Epidural; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D020773:Headache Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D011247:Pregnancy; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*