Postdural Puncture Headache in Obstetrics: A Meta-analysis

Abstract

This case focuses on how often postdural puncture headaches appear after using neuraxial blockage by asking the question: What are the frequency, onset, and duration of postdural puncture headache (PDPH) in the obstetric population after neuraxial blockade? This meta-analysis found that PDPH is a frequent complication, with an estimated incidence of 1.5% for epidurals and of 52.1% when dural puncture occurs. For spinals, the risk for PDPH varied depending on the type of spinal needle and ranged from 1.5% to 11.2%. The conclusions of this meta-analysis are consistent with prior recommendations that smallest diameter, atraumatic needles be used for spinal analgesia or anesthesia.