Synacthen Depot for the treatment of postdural puncture headache

Anaesthesia. 2004 Feb;59(2):138-41. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2044.2004.03573.x.

Abstract

We conducted a prospective, randomised, double-blind trial to study the effect of Synacthen Depot in 18 parturients with postdural puncture headache following deliberate or accidental dural puncture. Women were randomly allocated to receive either Synacthen Depot 1 mg (1 ml) or 0.9% saline 1 ml intramuscularly. Using a 10-cm visual analogue scale, severity of headache was measured before and at intervals until 48 h after injection. There was no difference in the severity of headache or requirement for epidural blood patch. We conclude that there is no advantage to the use of Synacthen Depot 1 mg for the treatment of postdural puncture headache.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anesthesia, Epidural / adverse effects*
  • Anesthesia, Obstetrical / adverse effects*
  • Blood Patch, Epidural
  • Cosyntropin / therapeutic use*
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Dura Mater / injuries*
  • Female
  • Headache / drug therapy*
  • Headache / etiology
  • Humans
  • Injections, Epidural / adverse effects
  • Pain Measurement
  • Pregnancy
  • Prospective Studies

Substances

  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Cosyntropin
  • adrenocorticotropin zinc