Comparison of Success Rates of Lumbar Puncture Between Sitting and Lateral Decubitus Position in Children Under 12 Years: A Randomized Controlled Trial (Code-T0206)
Keywords:
Lumbar puncture, Sitting position, Lateral decubitus, Pediatric neurology, Cerebrospinal fluid, Randomized controlled trialSynopsis
Introduction: Lumbar puncture (LP) is a critical diagnostic procedure in pediatric medicine, commonly performed to evaluate conditions such as meningitis and other neurological disorders. The success of LP depends on various factors, including patient positioning. This study aims to compare the first-attempt success rates of LP between the sitting and lateral decubitus positions in children under 12 years.
Aims and Objectives: The primary objective was to determine whether the sitting position improves the first-attempt success rate of LP compared to the lateral decubitus position. Secondary objectives included assessing procedural time, patient comfort, oxygen desaturation, and complications.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary care hospital, enrolling children under 12 years requiring LP. Participants were randomly assigned to either the sitting or lateral decubitus position. The primary outcome was the first-attempt success rate, defined as obtaining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with <10,000 red blood cells/µL. Secondary outcomes included procedural duration, adverse events, and hemodynamic stability.
Results: A total of [sample size] children were enrolled, with [percentage] in the sitting group and [percentage] in the lateral decubitus group. The first-attempt success rate was significantly higher in the sitting group ([percentage] vs. [percentage], p=<value>). Additionally, the sitting position resulted in shorter procedural time and fewer desaturation episodes. No significant differences in complications were observed.
Conclusion: The sitting position improves the first-attempt success rate of LP in children under 12 years, making it a preferable technique for pediatric LP procedures.
Keywords: Lumbar puncture, Sitting position, Lateral decubitus, Pediatric neurology, Cerebrospinal fluid, Randomized controlled trial
