A protocol to reduce self-reported pain scores and adverse events following lumbar punctures in older adults.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Lumbar punctures (LPs) are important for obtaining CSF in neurology studies but are associated with adverse events and feared by many patients. We determined adverse event rates and pain scores in patients prospectively enrolled in two cohort studies who underwent LPs using a standardized protocol and 25 g needle.

Methods

Eight hundred and nine LPs performed in 262 patients age ≥ 60 years in the MADCO-PC and INTUIT studies were analyzed. Medical records were monitored for LP-related adverse events, and patients were queried about subjective complaints. We analyzed adverse event rates, including headaches and pain scores.

Results

There were 22 adverse events among 809 LPs performed, a rate of 2.72% (95% CI 1.71-4.09%). Patient hospital stay did not increase d

SUBMITTER: Nobuhara CK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7336280 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature