Autologous platelet-rich fibrin as an alternative epidural patch for persistent post-dural puncture headache: A single-center observational study

Abstract

Objectives

Epidural blood patch (EBP) is the current standard of care for postdural puncture headache (PDPH). However, when EBP fails to provide relief, patients may experience discomfort and functional impairments. This study reports the safety and efficacy of a novel approach that uses autologous platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as an alternative epidural patch.

Methods

Sixty-seven patients with persistent PDPH symptoms after conservative medical treatment were screened. Among them, 12 (18%) patients underwent multiple EBP (range: 1–6), which failed to resolve the PDPH symptoms. As an alternative method, an epidural PRF patch (EPP) was used, in which PRF was injected percutaneously epidurally under fluoroscopic guidance. Patient symptoms were collected perioperatively, and a follow-up period of up to 6 months was conducted.

Results

The 12 patients included showed good tolerance for the EPP procedure, with injection volumes ranging from 15 to 39 ml. Compared to EBP, patients reported a significant reduction in injection-associated pain, as measured by the unidimensional numeric rating scale, with a mean reduction of 52.8% (p ≤ 0.05). The headache impact test scores (HIT-6) obtained before and 6 months after EPP revealed a statistically significant reduction in symptoms by a mean of 33.3% (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, no adverse effects were observed during follow up. It is noteworthy that all patients experienced significant relief from PDPH-associated symptoms 6 months after the intervention.

Conclusion

EPP may be a viable solution for patients with persistent PDPH symptoms. Notably, the discomfort experienced due to pain during the EPP procedure was markedly less than that experienced during the EBP procedure. The fact that clinical improvement was observed after 6 months is encouraging and lays the groundwork for additional clinical investigations.