Preventing Post Dural Puncture Headache after Intrathecal Drug Delivery System Implantation Through Preventive Fibrin Glue Application: A Retrospective Study

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage resulting in post dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a frequent adverse effect observed after intrathecal drug delivery system (IDDS) implantation. CSF leakage symptoms negatively affect patient quality of life and can result in additional complications. Fibrin glue was used to treat CSF leakage syndrome. We developed a procedure to reduce the incidence of PDPH by preventing CSF leakage with the use of fibrin glue during surgery. Objectives: The main outcome criterion for this study was the incidence of PDPH syndrome after IDDS implantation with or without preventive fibrin glue application during the procedure. Study Design: We designed a monocentric retrospective cohort study to compare the incidence of PDPH due to CSF leakage syndrome after lumbar puncture in patients with an implanted intrathecal pump, with or without preventive fibrin glue application during the procedure. Setting: The study was held in the Anesthesiology and Pain department of the Integrative Cancer Institute (ICO), Angers - France. Methods: The study compared 2 patient cohorts over 2 successive periods. Fibrin glue was injected into the introducer needle puncture pathway after placement of the catheter immediately following needle removal. Results: The no-glue group included 107 patients, whereas the glue group included 92 patients. Two application failures were observed (2.04%). Fibrin glue application results in a significant decrease in PDPH incidence, from 32.7% in the no-glue group to 10.92 % (P < 0.001) in the glue group. In regard to severity, in the no-glue group, 37.1% of PDPH syndromes were mild, 34.3% were moderate, and 28.6% were severe. In the fibrin glue group, 80% of PDPH syndromes were mild, and 20% were moderate. No severe PDPHs were reported after fibrin glue application. Duration of symptoms was also statistically shorter in the fibrin glue group (maximum of 3 days vs. 15 days in the no-glue group). In a univariate analysis, preventive fibrin glue application and age are significant to prevent PDPH. In multivariate analysis, only fibrin glue application was statistically significant (odds ratio, 0.26; P = 0.0008). No adverse effects linked to fibrin glue were observed. Limitations: The main limitation of this study is its retrospective nature. In addition, this study is from a single center with a potential selection bias and a center effect. Conclusions: The novel use of fibrin glue is promising in terms of its effect on PDPH and its safety profile. Its moderate cost and reproducibility make it an affordable and efficient technique.