Lumbar punctures are implemented for the diagnosis of patients with hematologic symptoms as well as for the intrathecal chemotherapy injections. Post lumbar puncture headache is a common complication for patients and is characterized by the occurrence of a headache with an orthostatic component, with additional symptoms such as nausea. Some studies in neurology, anesthesia and gynecology have previously shown a decreased incidence for post lumbar puncture headache while using atraumatic needles as compared to standard needles. In this context, it is necessary to better document the incidence of post lumbar puncture headache with the use of atraumatic needles in hematologic patients.
Lumbar punctures (LP) are implemented for the diagnosis of patients with hematologic symptoms as well as for the intrathecal chemotherapy injections. Post lumbar puncture headache (PLPH) is a common complication in around 30% of patients. PLPH is characterized by the occurrence of a headache with an orthostatic component within 12-72 hours after LP with additional symptoms such as nausea. Even if this phenomenon spontaneously resolves within 3 to 5 days, symptoms can immobilize the patient and can interfere with his daily activities. Technical procedures largely influence the incidence of PLPH. Indeed, some studies in neurology, anesthesia and gynecology have previously shown a decreased incidence for PLHP while using atraumatic needles as compared to standard needles. So far, few data are available for hematology. In this context, it is necessary to better document the incidence of PLPH with the use of atraumatic needles in hematologic patients.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
68
Patients will perform a spinal punction with a standard needle, used in the usual practice. The standard needles have the following characteristics : BD 22 G x 3 ½ in, 90mm, Quincke spinal needle, Black hub. When more than 2 attempts for lumbar puncture fail, the investigator will proceed with standard techniques (BD 20G x 3 ½ in, Quincke spinal needle, 90mm, yellow hub). This is a failed lumbar puncture.
Patients will perform a spinal punction with an atraumatic needle, used in the hematological service of the CHU of Saint-Etienne. The atraumatic needles have the following characteristics : Vygon 24 G × 3 ½ in, 90mm, Whitacre Pencil Point Spinal Needle, Purple hub. When more than 2 attempts for lumbar puncture fail, the investigator will proceed with standard techniques (BD 20G x 3 ½ in, Quincke spinal needle, 90mm, yellow hub). This is a failed lumbar puncture.
Centre Léon Bérard
Lyon, France
CHU de Saint-Etienne
Saint-Etienne, France
Number of headache
Incidence of patients with mild and severe headache within 5 days following lumbar puncture as evaluated by verbal rating scales (intensity score ≥4) will be reported.
Time frame: 5 days
Intensity of headache
Maximum intensity of headache as evaluated by verbal rating scale (scoring from 0 to 10) within 5 days following lumbar puncture will be reported for each patient.
Time frame: 5 days
Duration of significant headache
Duration in days of mild and severe headache (verbal rating scale score ≥ 4) within 5 days following lumbar puncture will be reported for each patient.
Time frame: 5 days
Pain intensity
Local and immediate Intensity Pain during lumbar puncture will be reported for each patient. Intensity is evaluated by verbal rating scale.
Time frame: 5 days
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