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Ultrasonographic ONSD as a Predictor of PDPH in Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery

Early Prediction of Post-Dural Puncture Headache Using Ultrasound-Measured Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter in Cesarean Section Patients: A Prospective Observational Study

Status
Not yet recruiting
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Observational
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07360756
Enrollment
150
Registered
2026-01-22
Start date
2026-01-28
Completion date
2026-12-30
Last updated
2026-01-22

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Cesarean Section Complications

Keywords

Post-Dural Puncture Headache, Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter

Brief summary

The Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter (ONSD), measured non-invasively by bedside ultrasound, is a well-established surrogate for intracranial pressure (ICP), as the optic nerve sheath is continuous with the intracranial dura mater and its subarachnoid space is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). While ONSD is typically used to detect elevated ICP (with a cut-off often \> 5.0-5.7 mm for ICP \> 20 mmHg), studies investigating PDPH have paradoxically shown a reduction in ONSD post-spinal anesthesia, correlating with the state of intracranial hypotension. Previous research has demonstrated that a lower ONSD or a significant decrease in ONSD values 24 hours post-puncture is associated with PDPH development. A study determined that an ONSD at 24 hours of less than 0.40 cm was the best predictor for PDPH. Our study aims to specifically investigate the utility of the immediate change in ONSD to offer a bedside, real-time assessment of risk.

Interventions

PROCEDUREStudy Cohort (Single Cohort)

This study comprises a single, prospectively enrolled cohort of 150 adult female patients (ASA physical status II-III) scheduled for elective cesarean section under standardized spinal anesthesia. All participants receive the same planned intervention (spinal anesthesia for surgery) and undergo the same standardized measurement protocol for Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter (ONSD). Within this cohort, participants are naturally divided by outcome during follow-up into two groups for analytical purposes: PDPH-Positive Subgroup: Patients who develop Post-Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH) within 72 hours, as diagnosed using the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) criteria. PDPH-Negative Subgroup: Patients who do not develop PDPH within the follow-up period.

Sponsors

Al-Azhar University
Lead SponsorOTHER
Benha University
CollaboratorOTHER

Study design

Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Adult female patients, aged 18-45 years * ASA(American Society of Anesthesiologists) physical status II or III * Scheduled for elective cesarean section * Undergoing surgery under standardized spinal anesthesia

Exclusion criteria

* Pre-existing headache disorders (e.g., migraine, chronic tension-type headache) * Known ophthalmic conditions (e.g., optic neuropathy, glaucoma) * Inability to cooperate with ONSD(Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter) ultrasound measurements or follow-up * Allergy to local anesthetics * Emergency cesarean section * Contraindications to spinal anesthesia: * Coagulopathy * Infection at the puncture site * Preexisting hypertension on medication * Pre-eclampsia with severe features (suggested for separate study) * Known cardiac disease with hemodynamic instability * Allergy to study drugs * Fetal distress or non-reassuring cardiotocography (CTG) * Body Mass Index (BMI) \>40 kg/m² * Refusal to sign informed consent

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Optimal Delta ONSD cut-off value for predicting PDPH72 hours post-spinal.To determine the numerical value of the change in Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter (Delta ONSD = ONSD\<sub\>pre\</sub\> - ONSD\<sub\>post\</sub\>) that best predicts the development of PDPH.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Post-Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH)72h.To assess the intensity of headache pain. By Numeric Rating Scale (NRS): 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).
The Need for Epidural Blood Patch (EBP)72 hourThe % of patients requiring an Epidural Blood Patch will de determined

Countries

Egypt

Contacts

CONTACTNeveen A Kohaf, Ph.D
nevenabdo@azhar.edu.eg+201060383012

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026