Using Bedside Ultrasound to Improve Lumbar Puncture Success in Children Under 18 An Open-label Randomized Study

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate how using ultrasound imaging of the lumbar spinal canal affects the success of lumbar punctures in children under 18 years old. Lumbar puncture is often done to rule out infections like meningitis and encephalitis in pediatric patients. Challenges such as young age, difficulty feeling anatomical landmarks, lack of local anesthesia, practitioner experience, and patient movement can impact the procedures success. Ultrasound before the puncture may help visualize key spinal structures and improve accuracy, especially for less experienced doctors. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups an ultrasound group or a standard group. In the ultrasound group, a bedside ultrasound exam using a Lumify linear probe will be done before the lumbar puncture to mark safe and optimal puncture sites and measure depth to the dura mater. This information is shared with the doctor performing the puncture. The standard group will undergo lumbar puncture guided only by palpation without ultrasound. Procedure time and ultrasound exam time will be recorded. Children under 18 undergoing lumbar puncture will have their procedure details recorded, including success after the first attempt and total attempts, cerebrospinal fluid quality, and duration of the procedure. Doctors will complete questionnaires about their experience. Researchers will assess how ultrasound imaging impacts lumbar puncture success, considering the doctors experience and the childs body mass index. The study will monitor outcomes within one day after the procedure to evaluate effectiveness and safety.

Bedside Ultrasound on the Effectiveness of Lumbar Puncture in Children.