Objective: To investigate the incidence and characteristics of postdural puncture headache [PDPH] requiring epidural blood
patch in patients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia and find out factors associated with early PDPH onset and peak PDPH.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive, retrospective study included patients who received spinal anesthesia for cesarean section and developed PDPH requiring treatment with epidural blood patch during a study period from January 2006 to July 2017. PDPH was diagnosed by an obstetric anesthesiologist. Collected data included demographic characteristics; types and sizes of spinal needles; PDPH features; spinal needle approach techniques (paramedian or midline approach); number of lumbar puncture attempts; operator experience levels; conservative treatment, volume of blood administered through an epidural space, and length of hospital stay.

Results: From a total of 35,290 parturients 77 patients who developed PDPH and required treatment with epidural blood patch were identified. Parturients had a mean age of 30.6+4.7 years, and a mean BMT of 27.8+6.0 kg/m2. Most patients had the following features: PDPH occurring in both the occipital and frontal area (66.2%); receiving first attempt maneuver (58.1%); using 26 gauge (G) Quincke spinal needle (42.9%); and, being performed by 2nd-year resident (39.0%). Patients
undergoing epidural blood patch had a mean length of hospital stay of 5.79+2.5 days, with a mean volume of blood administered through an epidural space of 13.08+3.5 mL. The association between early onset (0 to 1 postoperative day) or early peak (0 to 2 postoperative day) of PDPH and the investigated factors did not reach statistically significant level.

Conclusion: Of 35,290 parturients who underwent spinal anesthesia for cesarean section, 77 patients (0.2%) developed PDPH requiring treatment with epidural blood patch. No investigated factors were found to be significantly associated with PDPH onset or peak PDPH.

Keywords: Postdural puncture headache, Spinal anesthesia, Cesarean section, Epidural blood patch