Lumbar Puncture In Patients Research Articles

Heterotopic Osteotomy for Intrathecal Baclofen Test Dose Administration in a Pediatric Patient With Spinal Fusion: A Technical Note.

Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pumps are used for the treatment of pediatric movement disorders that are rapidly progressive or do not respond to medical management. An ITB test dose is indicated in patients who have mixed tone, when the family remains unconvinced, or when insurance companies require it. Test doses are typically delivered by lumbar puncture; however, lumbar puncture in patients with heterotopic ossification of the lumbar vertebrae after a previous spinal fusion is not possible. To our knowledge, we present the first technical note describing a heterotopic osteotomy to access the subarachnoid space for a complex ITB test dose in a pediatric patient with a spinal fusion. We present a 14-year-old woman with spastic, dystonic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, neuromuscular scoliosis, and previous T3-pelvis posterior spinal fusion. She continued to have significant dystonia and spasticity despite maximal medical management and was offered ITB therapy. A complex ITB test dose through heterotopic osteotomy was performed with excellent clinical results, and the patient will ultimately receive an ITB pump. Heterotopic ossification following spinal fusion is not a contraindication to an ITB test dose. A heterotopic osteotomy is a feasible surgical approach to administer an ITB test dose in these pediatric patients.

Bacterial Meningoencephalitis in Newborns

Bacterial meningoencephalitis in newborns is a severe and life-threatening pathology, which results from meningeal infection and the subsequent involvement of the brain parenchyma. The severity of the acute onset of symptoms and the risk of neurodevelopmental adverse sequelae in children strongly depend on the timing of the infection, the immunological protection transmitted by the mother to the fetus during pregnancy, and the neonate’s inflammatory and immune system response after birth. Although the incidence of neonatal meningitis and meningoencephalitis and related mortality declined in the past twenty years with the improvement of prenatal care and with the introduction of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis against Streptococcus beta Hemolyticus group B (Streptococcus Agalactiae) in the 1990s, bacterial meningitis remains the most common form of cerebrospinal fluid infection in pediatric patients. To date, the rate of unfavorable neurological outcomes is still from 20% to 60%, and the possibility of containing its rate strongly depends on early diagnosis, therapy, and a multidisciplinary approach, which involves neonatologists, neurologists, neuroradiologists, and physiotherapists. Neonatal meningitis remains difficult to diagnose because the responsible bacteria vary with gestational age at birth, age at presentation, and environmental context. The clinical presentation, especially in the newborn, is very ambiguous. From a clinical point of view, the definitive test for diagnosis is lumbar puncture in patients with symptoms suggestive of neurological involvement. Therefore, neuroimaging is key for raising clinical suspicion of meningitis or corroborating the diagnosis based on clinical and laboratory data. Our pictorial review offers a practical approach to neonatal meningoencephalitis by describing the epidemiology, the pathophysiology of bacterial meningoencephalitis, defining the indications and suggesting optimized protocols for neuroimaging techniques, and showing the main neuroimaging findings to reach the diagnosis and offering proper follow-up of bacterial meningitis. Moreover, we tried identifying some peculiar MRI patterns related to some bacteria.

Transverse interlaminar ultrasound-guided C1-C2 puncture for the intrathecal administration of nusinersen in patients with spinal muscular atrophy.

Severe spinal deformities and previous spinal orthopedic instrumentation may result in substantial technical challenges for nusinersen delivery through lumbar puncture in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The aim of this paper was to review our experience with ultrasound-guided cervical puncture as an alternative approach for the intrathecal administration of nusinersen. This was a retrospective medical record review of transverse interlaminar ultrasound-guided C1-C2 puncture for nusinersen delivery in SMA patients. The details of puncture, complications, and success rate of the procedure were summarized. There were four patients who received a total of 13 cervical punctures for nusinersen delivery. All procedures were technically successful with no major complications. Full doses of nusinersen were delivered intrathecally. Transverse interlaminar ultrasound-guided C1-C2 puncture is an alternative approach for administering nusinersen if lumbar puncture fails. The success of the technique requires a thorough preprocedural evaluation of cervical spine imaging, sound knowledge of the cervical sonoanatomy and careful manipulation of the needle.

A horizontal and perpendicular interlaminar approach for intrathecal nusinersen injection in patients with spinal muscular atrophy and scoliosis: an observational study

BackgroundLumbar puncture is challenging for patients with scoliosis. Previous ultrasound-assisted techniques for lumbar puncture used the angle of the probe as the needle trajectory; however, reproducing the angle is difficult and increases the number of needle manipulations. In response, we developed a technique that eliminated both the craniocaudal and lateromedial angulation of the needle trajectory to overall improve this technique. We assessed the feasibility and safety of this method in patients with scoliosis and identify factors related to difficult lumbar puncture.MethodsPatients with spinal muscular atrophy and scoliosis who were referred to the anesthesia department for intrathecal nusinersen administrations were included. With a novel approach that utilized patient position and geometry, lumbar puncture was performed under ultrasound guidance. Success rates, performance times and adverse events were recorded. Clinical-demographic and spinal radiographic data pertaining to difficult procedures were analyzed.ResultsSuccess was achieved in all 260 (100%) lumbar punctures for 44 patients, with first pass and first attempt success rates of 70% (183/260) and 87% (226/260), respectively. Adverse events were infrequent and benign. Higher BMI, greater skin dural sac depth and smaller interlaminar size might be associated with greater difficulty in lumbar puncture.ConclusionsThe novel ultrasound-assisted horizontal and perpendicular interlaminar needle trajectory approach is an effective and safe method for lumbar puncture in patients with spinal deformities. This method can be reliably performed at the bedside and avoids other more typical and complex imaging such as computed tomography guided procedure.

Comparison of international guidelines for CT prior to lumbar puncture in patients with suspected meningitis.

To compare the performance of multiple international guidelines in selecting patients for head CT prior to lumbar puncture (LP) in suspected meningitis, focusing on identification of potential contraindications to immediate LP. Retrospective study of 196 patients with suspected meningitis presenting to an emergency department between March 2013 and March 2023 and undergoing head CT prior to LP. UK Joint Specialist Society Guidelines (UK), European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) and Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines were evaluated by cross-referencing imaging criteria with clinical characteristics present at time of presentation. Sensitivity of each guideline for recommending neuroimaging in cases with brain shift on CT was evaluated, along with the number of normal studies and incidental or spurious findings. 2/196 (1%) patients had abnormal CTs with evidence of brain shift, while 14/196 (7%) had other abnormalities on CT without brain shift. UK, ESCMID and IDSA guidelines recommended imaging in 10%, 14% and 33% of cases respectively. All three guidelines recommended imaging pre-LP in 2/2 (100%) cases with brain shift. IDSA guidelines recommended more CT studies with normal findings (59 vs 16 and 24 for UK and ESCMID guidelines respectively) and CT abnormalities without brain shift (4 vs 1 and 2 respectively) than the other guidelines. UK, ESCMID and IDSA guidelines are all effective at identifying the small cohort of patients who benefit from a head CT prior to LP. Following the more selective UK/ESCMID guidelines limits the number of normal studies and incidental or spurious CT findings.

Characteristics and Risk Factors of Central Nervous System Infection in Children With Febrile Seizures.

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the necessity of performing lumbar puncture in patients experiencing febrile seizures, considering the epidemiology specific to Brazil. A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed from January 2017 to December 2021. A total of 469 children with seizure and fever were analyzed. The identified event was the first in 65.9% (n = 309). A total of 54.2% (n = 254) of patients had a simple febrile seizure. Infectious focus, excluding previous central nervous system (CNS) infection, was identified in 35.6% (n = 167) patients. Meningitis was identified in 7.7% (n = 36) patients, all of them were viral. Patients with CNS infection had a higher frequency of symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, headache, and higher level of leukocytosis. A longer duration of fever was found to be more strongly associated with CNS infection. When considering the use of lumbar puncture in febrile seizure, it is important to conduct a comprehensive evaluation that considers multiple factors, including clinical signs, symptoms, and the overall clinical context. Meningeal signs may be less prominent, and other symptoms such as lethargy, irritability, and vomiting may serve as more reliable indicators. Although clinical examination suggestive of meningitis remains an important factor, the recurrence of febrile seizures and a longer length of fever can provide additional insights and aid in decision-making regarding lumbar puncture.

Spinal Cord Termination and Lumbar Puncture Safety in Spinal Deformities.

Background Lumbar puncture, a common diagnostic and therapeutic procedure, is performed regardless of individual spinal alignment variations. However, the impact of kyphosis, scoliosis, and kyphoscoliosis on spinal cord termination level and lumbar puncture safety remains unclear. Objectives This study aimed to determine if the termination level of the spinal cord is differentin individuals with spinal deformities and to assessthe necessity of routine neuroimaging for safe lumbar puncture localization. Study design and settings This single-center retrospective study was conducted at a university hospital using patients' electronic medical records. The study was focused on patients diagnosed with kyphosis, scoliosis, or kyphoscoliosis using spinal magnetic resonance imaging from January 2010 to December 2022. Participants We evaluated 240 patients: 120 with diagnosed spinal deformities (kyphosis, scoliosis, or kyphoscoliosis) and 120 without deformities, categorized by sex (deformed: 92 females, 28 males; non-deformed: 72 females, 48 males). Patients with spinal trauma, bleeding, or tumors were excluded. Results No statistically significant correlation was found between spinal deformities and spinal cord termination, with L1 remaining the most common endpoint in all groups. Conclusion Routine neuroimaging prior to lumbar puncture in patients with spinal deformities was not associated with a safer procedure due to no observed impact on the termination level of the spinal cord.

1321. CT Brain Prior to Lumbar Puncture in Patients with Suspected Meningitis: A Single Centre Study of Compliance with Expert Guidelines and Diagnostic Yield of Imaging.

Abstract Background Neuroimaging prior to lumbar puncture (LP) in suspected meningitis was once thought necessary to outrule raised intracranial pressure (ICP) which would risk brainstem herniation. However, the frequency of a lesion causing raised ICP is low and the risk of herniation post LP is minimal. The inappropriate use of neuroimaging prior to LP can delay diagnosis and reduce the diagnostic yield of CSF culture results. Several expert groups have published guidelines to reduce unnecessary neuroimaging in these patients. The purpose of this study was to review the use of CT brain prior to LP in our institution to identify which guidelines can be safely followed and the diagnostic yield of neuroimaging.Table 1:Criteria for CT Brain before Lumbar Puncture The recommendations for when neuroimaging is indicated before lumbar puncture in suspected meningitis as per the UK, European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines. Methods The picture archiving and communications system was retrospectively reviewed from March 2013 to March 2023 to identify patients who had been referred for CT brain to facilitate LP for suspected meningitis. The referral information was reviewed and compared to the UK, Infectious Disease Society of America and European guidelines. The imaging findings were recorded to assess for any abnormality and the patient EMR was reviewed to assess for any clinical deterioration post LP. Results 196 patients were included. The mean time from presentation to CT was 6.5 hours. 19, 28 and 65 of the 196 studies were indicated as per the UK, EU and IDSA guidelines respectively, resulting in a 90%, 85% and 67% reduction in imaging if these guidelines were followed. Of the 177 studies deemed inappropriately performed by the UK guidelines, 164 (93%) were normal. 12 (7%) had findings that did not preclude LP. One patient (< 1%) had a perimesencephalic haemorrhage. 19 (10%) studies were indicated, 16 of which were normal (84%). Of the remaining 3 (2%), none of the CT findings precluded LP. The application of the IDSA and European guidelines did detect any additional findings that precluded LP. Conclusion The use of expert guidelines is an important tool in reducing unnecessary neuroimaging and delays to lumbar puncture and treatment for patients with suspected meningitis. This study supports the use of the UK guidelines over other guidelines, which resulted in higher numbers of patients imaged without any additional clinical benefit. Red flag symptoms for intracranial haemorrhage should be carefully screened for. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Efficacy of spinal anesthesia—ultrasound guided versus landmark-based, in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia: a prospective cross-sectional study

Abstract Objective: This research aims to assess the effectiveness and practical value of ultrasound imaging (US group) in minimizing the discomfort and potential hazards associated with spinal anesthesia compared to traditional landmark-based (LM group) approaches. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, randomized comparative investigation, 80 patients were enrolled to undergo spinal anesthesia using either the landmark-based or ultrasound-guided method, with an equal distribution of 40 patients in each respective group. The study recorded various parameters, including evaluation duration, count of needle insertion attempts, instances of redirection, duration of spinal anesthesia, overall procedure time (comprising assessment and administration of spinal anesthesia), and measurement of intrathecal space depth. Patient comfort was evaluated employing a visual analog scale (VAS). Results: Demographic characteristics, including age, gender, and body mass index, exhibited no notable differences. The overall procedure time was approximately 2–3 min for the LM group and 3–4 min for the US group, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.0001). The initial successful needle insertion rate was considerably more critical in the US group (52.5%) than in the LM group (10%). The distance from the skin to the subarachnoid space was notably more remarkable in the US group, with a statistically significant distinction from the LM group (P = 0.034). The successful spinal needle placement rate was 77.5% in the US group, significantly surpassing the LM group’s rate of 25% (P < 0.05). Regarding patient comfort assessed using the VAS, the US group demonstrated significantly greater comfort levels than the LM group. In the US group, every patient reported a VAS score of <4, whereas only 27.5% achieved the same level of comfort in the LM group. Conclusion: Our study provides evidence supporting the utility of pre-procedural ultrasound evaluation of the subarachnoid space as an effective tool for achieving successful lumbar punctures in patients receiving spinal anesthesia. Compared to the traditional landmark technique, this approach reduces the number of attempts required while enhancing patient comfort.

Comparing Ultrasonography and Surface Landmark-Guided Lumbar Puncture in Patients with Obesity and Difficult Anatomy; a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Previous studies have shown higher lumbar puncture (LP) success rates when using ultrasound guidance. This study aimed to compare the first-attempt success rate of ultrasound-guided LP with blind technique of needle insertion using the palpable spinal surface landmark in patients with obesity or a difficult anatomy. This prospective randomized controlled study was performed at the emergency department of Ramathibodi Hospital, an academic tertiary university hospital, from August 2015 to July 2016. 40 patients were enrolled (20 surface landmark-guided and 20 ultrasound-guided LPs). 52.5% of the patients were male with the mean age of 60.33 ± 4.24 years. The first-attempt success rate in the ultrasound-guided LP group was significantly higher than the landmark-guided LP group (80% vs. 35%, respectively), with risk difference (RD) of 45.00% (95% confidence interval (CI): 17.72%, 72.28%). This indicated absolute risk reduction and number needed to treat of 45.00% and 2.22, respectively. The median procedural duration required to achieve successful LP in the ultrasound-guided LP group was significantly shorter than the surface landmark-guided LP group (5 [IQR: 3-18] minutes vs. 13.5 [IQR: 5-30] minutes, respectively). Traumatic puncture as a complication occurred less frequently in the ultrasound-guided LP group than the surface landmark-guided LP group with risk ratio (RR) = 0.33 (95% CI: 0.08, 1.46) and RD = -20.00% (95% CI: -44.00%, 4.00%). This indicated absolute risk reduction and number needed to harm of 20.00% and 5.00, respectively. However, the difference was not significant. Using ultrasound to help localize the insertion point before LP increased the first-attempt success rate and improved other LP outcomes in Thai patients with obesity or a difficult anatomy. It also shortened the procedural duration and reduced the incidence of traumatic tap.

Investigation of Cerebrospinal Fluid Electrolytes and Acid-Base Expressions in Asian Adults.

In previous literature, reference values for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may be based on patients who were not truly healthy, other species, or outdated information. In the present study, we performed a lumbar puncture in patients requiring spinal anesthesia by a reasonable indication to evaluate CSF parameters in healthy adults. All patients between the ages of 20 and 70 years scheduled for elective orthopedic or urologic surgery requiring spinal anesthesia were enrolled in this study. We measured electrolytes and gas tension analysis in CSF and whole blood samples in adult humans. A total of 28 patients were included with an average age of 44.2 years. The concentration of Na^+ in blood was slightly lower when compared with that in CSF. There were significantly higher levels of K^+ and Ca^(2+) in the blood when we compared with CSF. Significantly lower levels of Cl^- and Mg^(2+) in the blood were observed when compared with CSF. The glucose level of CSF was about half of that in blood. We provided updated reference values for various solutes in blood and CSF in adults. Analysis of CSF parameters and relevant paired blood samples is highly informative, helping clinicians diagnose a variety of central nervous system diseases.

Investigation of Cerebrospinal Fluid Electrolytes and Acid-Base Expressions in Asian Adults.

In previous literature, reference values for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may be based on patients who were not truly healthy, other species, or outdated information. In the present study, we performed a lumbar puncture in patients requiring spinal anesthesia by a reasonable indication to evaluate CSF parameters in healthy adults. All patients between the ages of 20 and 70 years scheduled for elective orthopedic or urologic surgery requiring spinal anesthesia were enrolled in this study. We measured electrolytes and gas tension analysis in CSF and whole blood samples in adult humans. A total of 28 patients were included with an average age of 44.2 years. The concentration of Na^+ in blood was slightly lower when compared with that in CSF. There were significantly higher levels of K^+ and Ca^(2+) in the blood when we compared with CSF. Significantly lower levels of Cl^- and Mg^(2+) in the blood were observed when compared with CSF. The glucose level of CSF was about half of that in blood. We provided updated reference values for various solutes in blood and CSF in adults. Analysis of CSF parameters and relevant paired blood samples is highly informative, helping clinicians diagnose a variety of central nervous system diseases.

Bacterial meningitis in patients with multiple myeloma: a prospective nationwide cohort study and review of the literature

ObjectivesTo study the clinical features of bacterial meningitis in patients with myeloma. MethodsWe analyzed patients with myeloma who were included in a nationwide cohort of patients >16 years old with community-acquired bacterial meningitis in the Netherlands from 2006 to 2018. Subsequently, we reviewed the literature for articles reporting patients with myeloma with bacterial meningitis. ResultsA total of 27 of 2306 episodes (1.6%) of bacterial meningitis occurred in patients with myeloma. Six of 27 patients (22%) underwent stem cell transplantation. Median cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leukocyte count was 172/µl, and 12 of 26 patients (46%) had a CSF leukocyte count <100/µl. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the causative pathogen in 25 patients (93%). Fourteen patients (52%) had unfavorable outcomes, of whom 10 (37%) died. Ninety-one patients with myeloma with bacterial meningitis were described in the literature. The most common pathogen in these patients was S. pneumoniae (35 of 48; 73%) and four (20%) of 20 patients died. ConclusionBacterial meningitis in patients with multiple myeloma is a severe disease with high rates of unfavorable outcome. Patients often present with a lower CSF leukocyte count than patients with bacterial meningitis without multiple myeloma. Physicians should set a low threshold to perform lumbar puncture in patients with myeloma and start antibiotic treatment pending CSF chemistry and culture results.

In Vivo Microdialysis in Mice Captures Changes in Alzheimer's Disease Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers Consistent with Developing Pathology.

Preclinical models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) can provide valuable insights into the onset and progression of the disease, such as changes in concentrations of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). However, such models are currently underutilized due to limited advancement in techniques that allow for longitudinal CSF monitoring. An elegant way to understand the biochemical environment in the diseased brain is intracerebral microdialysis, a method that has until now been limited to short-term observations, or snapshots, of the brain microenvironment. Here we draw upon patient-based findings to characterize CSF biomarkers in a commonly used preclinical mouse model for AD. Our modified push-pull microdialysis method was first validated ex vivo with human CSF samples, and then in vivo in an AD mouse model, permitting assessment of dynamic changes of CSF Aβ and tau and allowing for better translational understanding of CSF biomarkers. We demonstrate that CSF biomarker changes in preclinical models capture what is observed in the brain; with a decrease in CSF Aβ observed when plaques are deposited, and an increase in CSF tau once tau pathology is present in the brain parenchyma. We found that a high molecular weight cut-off membrane allowed for simultaneous sampling of Aβ and tau, comparable to CSF collection by lumbar puncture in patients. Our approach can further advance AD and other neurodegenerative research by following evolving neuropathology along the disease cascade via consecutive sampling from the same animal and can additionally be used to administer pharmaceutical compounds and assess their efficacy.

Preventing Post Dural Puncture Headache after Intrathecal Drug Delivery System Implantation Through Preventive Fibrin Glue Application: A Retrospective Study

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage resulting in post dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a frequent adverse effect observed after intrathecal drug delivery system (IDDS) implantation. CSF leakage symptoms negatively affect patient quality of life and can result in additional complications. Fibrin glue was used to treat CSF leakage syndrome. We developed a procedure to reduce the incidence of PDPH by preventing CSF leakage with the use of fibrin glue during surgery. The main outcome criterion for this study was the incidence of PDPH syndrome after IDDS implantation with or without preventive fibrin glue application during the procedure. We designed a monocentric retrospective cohort study to compare the incidence of PDPH due to CSF leakage syndrome after lumbar puncture in patients with an implanted intrathecal pump, with or without preventive fibrin glue application during the procedure. The study was held in the Anesthesiology and Pain department of the Integrative Cancer Institute (ICO), Angers - France. The study compared 2 patient cohorts over 2 successive periods. Fibrin glue was injected into the introducer needle puncture pathway after placement of the catheter immediately following needle removal. The no-glue group included 107 patients, whereas the glue group included 92 patients.Two application failures were observed (2.04%). Fibrin glue application results in a significant decrease in PDPH incidence, from 32.7% in the no-glue group to 10.92 % (P < 0.001) in the glue group. In regard to severity, in the no-glue group, 37.1% of PDPH syndromes were mild, 34.3% were moderate, and 28.6% were severe. In the fibrin glue group, 80% of PDPH syndromes were mild, and 20% were moderate. No severe PDPHs were reported after fibrin glue application. Duration of symptoms was also statistically shorter in the fibrin glue group (maximum of 3 days vs. 15 days in the no-glue group). In a univariate analysis, preventive fibrin glue application and age are significant to prevent PDPH. In multivariate analysis, only fibrin glue application was statistically significant (odds ratio, 0.26; P = 0.0008). No adverse effects linked to fibrin glue were observed. The main limitation of this study is its retrospective nature. In addition, this study is from a single center with a potential selection bias and a center effect. The novel use of fibrin glue is promising in terms of its effect on PDPH and its safety profile. Its moderate cost and reproducibility make it an affordable and efficient technique.

Association of Lumbar Puncture With Spinal Hematoma in Patients With and Without Coagulopathy

Coagulopathy may deter physicians from performing a lumbar puncture. To determine the risk of spinal hematoma after lumbar puncture in patients with and without coagulopathy. Danish nationwide, population-based cohort study using medical registries to identify persons who underwent lumbar puncture and had cerebrospinal fluid analysis (January 1, 2008-December 31, 2018; followed up through October 30, 2019). Coagulopathy was defined as platelets lower than 150 × 109/L, international normalized ratio (INR) greater than 1.4, or activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) longer than 39 seconds. Coagulopathy at the time of lumbar puncture. Thirty-day risk of spinal hematoma. Risks were provided as numbers and percentages with 95% CIs. Secondary analyses included risks of traumatic lumbar puncture (>300 × 106 erythrocytes/L after excluding patients diagnosed with subarachnoid hemorrhage). Adjusted hazard rate ratios (HRs) were computed using Cox regression models. A total of 83 711 individual lumbar punctures were identified among 64 730 persons (51% female; median age, 43 years [interquartile range, 22-62 years]) at the time of the procedure. Thrombocytopenia was present in 7875 patients (9%), high INR levels in 1393 (2%), and prolonged APTT in 2604 (3%). Follow-up was complete for more than 99% of the study participants. Overall, spinal hematoma occurred within 30 days for 99 of 49 526 patients (0.20%; 95% CI, 0.16%-0.24%) without coagulopathy vs 24 of 10 371 patients (0.23%; 95% CI, 0.15%-0.34%) with coagulopathy. Independent risk factors for spinal hematoma were male sex (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.72; 95% CI, 1.15-2.56), those aged 41 through 60 years (adjusted HR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.01-3.81) and those aged 61 through 80 years (adjusted HR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.12-4.33). Risks did not increase significantly according to overall severity of coagulopathy, in subgroup analyses of severity of coagulopathy by pediatric specialty or medical indication (infection, neurological condition, and hematological malignancy), nor by cumulative number of procedures. Traumatic lumbar punctures occurred more frequently among patients with INR levels of 1.5 to 2.0 (36.8%; 95% CI, 33.3%-40.4%), 2.1 to 2.5 (43.7%; 95% CI, 35.8%-51.8%), and 2.6 to 3.0 (41.9% 95% CI 30.5-53.9) vs those with normal INR (28.2%; 95% CI, 27.7%-28.75%). Traumatic spinal tap occurred more often in patients with an APTT of 40 to 60 seconds (26.3%; 95% CI, 24.2%-28.5%) vs those with normal APTT (21.3%; 95% CI, 20.6%-21.9%) yielding a risk difference of 5.1% (95% CI, 2.9%-7.2%). In this Danish cohort study, risk of spinal hematoma following lumbar puncture was 0.20% among patients without coagulopathy and 0.23% among those with coagulopathy. Although these findings may inform decision-making about lumbar puncture by describing rates in this sample, the observed rates may reflect bias due to physicians selecting relatively low-risk patients for lumbar puncture.

Ultrasound-assisted intrathecal injection of nusinersen in a patient with severe vertebral deformity: a case report

BackgroundSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a mostly autosomal recessive genetic disease characterized by progressive muscle weakness from anterior horn degeneration. Nusinersen has recently been approved as a disease-modifying drug for SMA that needs to be administered intrathecally. Its injection is often associated with extreme difficulty since patients with SMA have severe vertebral deformity and may be with vertebral instrumentation.Case descriptionA 21-year-old female with type 2 SMA and spinal deformity underwent a series of intrathecal injections of nusinersen. The intrathecal injections have been safely and successfully done by using computed tomography imaging and ultrasonography-assisted technique.ConclusionThis the first report in which ultrasound-assisted technique has been used for the injection of nusinersen through a lumbar puncture in patients with severe spinal deformity. Use of preprocedural ultrasound imaging is highly recommended for treatments that repeatedly require intrathecal access.

Risk of Spinal Haematoma after Lumbar Puncture: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Background: Risk of spinal haematoma following lumbar puncture in patients with abnormal coagulation status remains unclear and may deter physicians from performing the procedure. Methods: We accessed nationwide, population-based medical registries to examine the risk of spinal haematoma in patients with coagulopathy (thrombocytopenia 1·4, or activated partial thromboplastin time [APTT] >39 seconds) at time of lumbar puncture in Denmark from 2008 to 2019. Next, we reviewed the medical records of all such patients in North Denmark Region from 1998 through 2018. Risks are provided as counts and percentages with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Adjusted hazard rate ratios (HRRs) were computed using Cox regression models. Findings: Using medical registries, we identified 83,711 lumbar punctures in 64,730 individuals. At time of the procedure, thrombocytopenia was present in 7,875 patients, high INR in 1,393 patients, and prolonged APTT in 2,604 patients. Spinal haematoma occurred within 30 days in 143/83,711 lumbar punctures yielding an overall risk of 0·17% (95% 0·14-0·20) compared with 0-0·33% among patients with coagulopathy. Independent risk factors for spinal haematoma were male sex (HRR 1·75 [95% 1·18-2·61]) and age group 61-80 years (HRR 2·41 [95% 1·20-4·84]). Results remained unchanged in subgroup analyses by paediatric specialty, medical indication, and cumulative number of procedures. Overall risk of traumatic lumbar puncture (>300 x 106 erythrocytes /L) was 27·8% and was increased in some subgroups of patients with coagulopathy (range 22·6-44·0%). Medical record review of 1,694 lumbar punctures in patients with coagulopathy uncovered one case (0·06%) of spinal haematoma in a thrombocytopenic patient. Interpretation: Risk of spinal haematoma after lumbar puncture is small and without substantial increases among patients with coagulopathy. These results offer clinicians a firm basis to proceed with a lumbar puncture, if needed, regardless of coagulopathy in patients with serious medical conditions. Funding Statement: None. Declaration of Interests: All authors declare no conflicts of interests. Ethics Approval Statement: The study was approved by the legal representatives of North Denmark Region (2018-45) and the Danish Board of Health (3-3013-2477/1).

1407. Potential Impact of the Biofire® Film Array Meningitis and Encephalitis (ME) Panel in Reducing Repeat Lumbar Punctures in Patients with Meningitis and Encephalitis

BackgroundThe Biofire® FilmArray Meningitis Encephalitis (FAME) is a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test can rapidly detect up to 14 pathogens that cause meningitis and encephalitis. The impact on preventing repeat lumbar punctures to obtain more diagnostic studies is currently unknown.MethodsPatients admitted to Memorial Hermann Hospital (MHH) between July 2018-February 2019 with community-acquired symptoms of meningitis or encephalitis, CSF with white blood cell count >5 cells/mm3, and with leftover CSF at the MHH microbiology laboratory were eligible for the study. Testing FAME was performed after discharge for specimens that had not been centrifuged, had a volume of ≥200 μL, were appropriately stored, and were collected by lumbar puncture (LP) for evaluation of suspected meningitis/encephalitis.ResultsOf 1,382 CSF specimens screened, 70 (5.0%) met the criteria and were tested with FAME. The majority was adults (72.8%), non-Caucasian (68.6%), male (60%), immunocompetent (75.7%) and had a meningitis presentation (75.7%). Mean age was 36.9 years (1 mo-89 years). The mean duration between CSF collection and any PCR result done in the hospital was 60 hours. Fifteen patients (21.4%) required 25 repeat LPs [13 (86.6%) for additional testing (7 (53.8%) pediatric patients) and 2 (13.3%) for cryptococcal meningitis assessment]. The FAME could have prevented repeat LPs in 86.6% of patients. Five of the 13 repeat LP (38.4%) FA ME showed a pathogen [VZV (2), HSV 1 (1), HHSV-6 (1), Neisseria meningitidis (1)]. Of 46 tests with negative FA ME, acyclovir therapy was started in 22 (47.8%) with a mean of 6 doses dispensed. 38 (26.6%) patients were discharged with an unknown etiology of whom FA ME was positive in 8 (21%) [HSV2 (37.5%), VZV (25%), Enterovirus (25%) and HSV1 (12.5%)]. PCR was ordered in the hospital for only 4 (50%) of these patients.ConclusionThe FAME identified an etiology in 21% of patients with meningitis and encephalitis symptoms discharged with an unknown etiology. A total of 18.5% of patients required a repeat LP for additional testing. FAME testing offers an avenue for reducing the burden of repeat LPs and duration of unnecessary anti-infective therapy while increasing diagnostic yield.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Assessment of the necessity of routine lumber puncture among children with fever and convulsions

The routine investigation of doing lumbar puncture in patient with febrile convulsion is increasing practiced in many hospital.&#x0D; Objectives: &#x0D; The aim of this study was to assess the necessity of routine lumbar puncture (LP) to diagnose meningitis in children who present with fever and convulsions.&#x0D; Methods:&#x0D; This is an observational, cross-sectional, hospital-based study, carried out in Mohammed AL-Amin Hamid pediatrics hospital-Omdurman Sudan, during the period from the first of January through 31 July 2018. It involved all (146) children aged 5 months to 6years , who presented with fever and convulsions, undergone lumbar puncture, and parents signed written informed consents. Children with known neurological diseases were excluded from this study. Data collected included, age, gender, convulsions type and duration, post-ictal state, routine vaccination status, general condition, recent antibiotics use, past history of fever and convulsions, temperature degree, signs of meningeal irritation, and conscious level. Data were analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.&#x0D; Results:&#x0D; The result revealed that total number of 146 children, male were 62% (n=91), female were 38% (n=55). 5-11 months 35.6% (n=52) 1-3years 43.8% (n=64), and 4-6 years 20.6% (n=30). About 80% of the patients were younger than 4 years of age. Convulsion was generalized in 97.9%, lasted less than 15 minutes in 99.3%, spontaneously aborted in 94.5%, post-ictal state was brief in 88.4%, first attack in 98.6%, and there was no family history in 97.3%,p=0.000. There was no neck stiffness and photophobia in 92.5% and 98.6% respectively, p=0.000. Patients general condition were well in 76.7% and toxic in 23.3%. Cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) color was clear in 97% and turbid in 3% of patients. CSF white cells was less than 5 in 93.8%, and CSF sugar and protein were normal in 97.3% and 96.6 % respectively, p=0.000. CSF culture was negative for all patients, and almost all (97%, n=141) of the patients were diagnosed as febrile convulsions and sent home, compared to 3% (n=5) who were diagnosed clinically as meningitis.&#x0D; Conclusion:&#x0D; This study revealed that, CSF culture was negative for all patients, and almost all were diagnosed as febrile convulsions. However, 5 patients were diagnosed clinically as meningitis. Hence, this findings, challenge the routine lumbar puncture in children who present with fever and convulsion.