• N S Trivedi, D Eddi, and K Shevde.
• Department of Anesthesiology, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY.
• J Clin Anesth. 1993 Jan 1;5(1):42-5.

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of a prophylactic saline patch and a prophylactic blood patch in prevention of headache following accidental dural puncture in obstetric patients.DesignProspective, randomized, single-blind study on dural puncture headache occurrence and cessation.SettingInpatient obstetric unit at a metropolitan medical center.PatientsSeventy-four inpatients who underwent vaginal delivery or cesarean section following accidental dural puncture during administration of epidural anesthesia for labor and delivery.InterventionsGroup 1 (n = 24), the control group, received fluids and analgesics. Group 2 (n = 30) received prophylactic epidural saline (40 to 60 ml) through the epidural catheter following completion of the obstetric procedure. Group 3 (n = 20) received autologous blood (15 ml) via epidural catheter following completion of the obstetric procedure.Measurements And Main ResultsIn Group 1, 21 of 24 patients (87.5%) developed headaches, with conservative management. In Group 2, 20 of 30 patients (66.7%) developed headaches, and in Group 3, 1 of 20 patients (5%) developed a headache.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that the administration of a prophylactic epidural blood patch is highly effective in the prevention of headaches following dural puncture, with headache frequency reduced from 87.5% to 5%.

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