Lumbar puncture position in infants —a systematic review and meta-analysis

Conclusion: Sitting position seems to be equally effective in terms of first attempt and overall success in lumbar puncture than standard lateral position. Elevated lateral position and prone positions had better first attempt success than standard lateral position, but these were assessed only in one study each and thus further studies in these positions are needed.  Trial registration: This review was registered in PROSPERO. ID: CRD42022382953.What is Known:•  Success rate in lumbar puncture has been poor and first attempt success rate has varied between 50 to 80% in literature.•  Optimal lumbar puncture positions for infants have been debated between sitting and lateral decubitus position mostly.What is New:•  This is the first meta-analysis focused on lumbar puncture positions in infants, and it found that sitting position was equal to standard lateral position.• Prone position and head elevated lateral positions had higher first puncture success rates, but these were assessed both only in one study, which creates uncertainty to the finding.
Source: European Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research