IJSR - International Journal of Scientific Research

Sourabh Roy; Krishna Gupta

Volume : VI, Issue : IV, April - 2017

Comparison of the incidence of PDPH in two groups of patients, obese and nonobese undergoing caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia

Sourabh Roy, Krishna Gupta

Abstract :

BACKGROUND:

Anecdotal experience and limited publications suggest that an inverse relationship between body mass index (BMI) and postdural puncture headache (PDPH) may exist. We hypothesized that parturients with increased BMI have a lower incidence of PDPH than those with a lower BMI after dural puncture.

METHODS:

We performed a prospective clinical study during spinal anaesthesia between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2016. The primary outcome was the incidence of PDPH. The association between BMI and PDPH was assessed using chi sure test. Secondary analysis evaluated the highest reported numeric rating of pain scores for headache and the need for an epidural blood patch between BMI groups.

RESULTS:

Post dural puncture hedche was significantly higher in the non obese group . The incidence of PDPH in parturients with a BMI ≥30 kg/m (2%) was lower than in parturients with a BMI <30 kg/m (18%). Median (interquartile range) headache severity (0–10 verbal rating scale) was 8 (6–9) and did not differ between parturients in the high versus low BMI groups (P = 0.61).

CONCLUSIONS:

The findings are consistent with previous reports of decreased PDPH incidence after unintentional dural puncture in parturients with an increased BMI .