Efficacy of the Epidural Blood Patch for the Treatment of Post Epidural Puncture Headache

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the efficacy of the epidural blood patch for the treatment of post lumbar puncture headache (PEDPH). Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted in the department of anesthesia and intensive care Nishtar hospital, Multan and Bahwal Victoria hospital Bahwalpur from August 2018 to April  2019. Collected Information was entered in SPSS computer software version 23.1 and analyzed for possible results. Mean and SD was calculated and presented for quantitative data like maternal age. Frequency (percentages) were calculated and presented for qualitative data such as gender, ASA status and efficacy (good/poor). Post stratification statistical chi square test was used to see effect modification. P value ≤ 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Overall, there were 100% (n=326) patients in this study. There were 57.1% (n=186) males and 42.9% (n=140) females. ASA-1 and ASA-2 noted as 73.3% and26.7% respectively. The main outcome of this study was efficacy of treatment. It was observed that, after 1^st patch, efficacy was noted as good in 75.8% (n=247) patients, while after 2^nd patch it was good in 97.5% (n=318) patients (Table 3).There was significant difference between the efficacy of 1^st and 2^nd patch. (χ² = 17.879 DF = 1, P value=0.000). Conclusion: Results of our study concluded that epidural blood patch (EDBP) is the better choice for treatment of epidural puncture headache (EDPH).  If one time it is incompletely effective its 2^nd patch can be considered.

Keywords: Headache, Epidural puncture, Blood patch, Effectiveness.

DOI: 10.7176/JMPB/65-06

Publication date: April 30^th 2020