Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Ultrasound Assisted Lumbar Puncture in the Neonate
Sponsor: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Summary
Clinicians are often unable to successfully do a spinal tap. Ultrasound has been proposed as a method to improve success but it is not known if it helps. This study is designed to see if ultrasound improves the success rate.
Official title: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Ultrasound-Assisted Versus Traditional Landmark Lumbar Puncture in the Neonatal and Infant Population
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
Any - 6 Months
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
91
Start Date
2016-09
Completion Date
2020-08-01
Last Updated
2026-07-13
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Palpation Landmark Technique
Clinician will follow routine palpation landmark technique procedure for LP, such as identification of anatomic landmarks by palpation (i.e., superior borders of the posterior iliac crest lies in parallel with L4 spinous process). Palpation will be followed by "blind" stick of the appropriate inter-spinous process space. The study member will have 2 attempts to complete the LP. A "successful" attempt is obtaining cerebrospinal fluid.
Ultrasound-Assisted Technique LP
Clinician will use an ultrasound-assisted technique to perform the LP. The Phillips CX50 ultrasound machine is an FDA approved device and will be used in accordance with its approved labeling. Spinal ultrasound will be performed using a linear high-frequency transducer to locate and mark the termination of the conus medullaris, the narrowing of the spinal canal, and the midline to delineate a "safe zone". The study team member will have 2 attempts to complete the LP. A "successful" attempt is obtaining cerebrospinal fluid.
Locations (1)
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States