Temporal trends in the incidence of post-dural puncture headache following labor neuraxial analgesia in the United States, 2006 to 2015.

BACKGROUND

Labor neuraxial analgesia utilization has increased in the United States (U.S.) but its impact on maternal safety is unknown. This study analyzed the temporal trends in the incidence of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) in obstetrics.

METHODS

Data for vaginal or intrapartum cesarean deliveries came from the National Inpatient Sample 2006-2015, a U.S. 20% representative sample of hospital discharge records. The outcome was PDPH (ICD-9-CM codes 349.0 and 03.95) categorized into (1) PDPH coded without epidural blood patch (EBP), and (2) PDPH coded with EBP. Temporal trends in incidence were described using the percent change between 2006 and 2015 and its 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Of the 29 011 472 deliveries studied, 86 558 (29.8 per 10 000; 95% CI: 29.3 to 30.2) recorded a diagnosis of PDPH, including 34 019 without EBP (11.7 per 10 000; 95% CI 11.4 to 12.0) and 52 539 with EBP (18.1 per 10 000; 95% CI 17.8 to 18.4). A significant decrease in the incidence of PDPH was observed from 31.5 per 10 000 in 2006 to 29.2 per 10 000 in 2015 (-7.5%; 95% CI -2.2 to -0.5; P=0.001). The decrease in the incidence of PDPH was significant irrespective of the presence of EBP. The decrease was observed in the three categories of hospitals examined (rural, urban non-teaching, and urban teaching).

CONCLUSIONS

During the study period, the reported incidence of PDPH in the U.S. has decreased modestly. Intervention programs are needed to address this persistent and preventable cause of maternal morbidity.