Role of Oral Prednisolone in the Management of Postdural Puncture Headache after Spinal Anesthesia in Urological Patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is a frequently encountered complication of spinal anesthesia and may be associated with significant morbidity in some patients. Parenteral corticosteroids have been used in the management of PDPH both prophylactically and after the occurrence of headache. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral prednisolone in the management of PDPH after spinal anesthesia in urological patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty adult patients who developed PDPH after spinal anesthesia for urological surgeries were randomly allocated to two groups. Group C patients (n = 30) were managed conservatively, and Group P patients (n = 30) were given 20 mg of oral prednisolone for 4 days in addition to the conventional treatment. The intensity of headache was measured using visual analog scale (VAS). VAS score was taken just before the start of treatment (0 h) and at 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after the start of treatment. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Packages for Social Science version 19 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the VAS score in patients before the start of treatment (0 h) and at 12 h after the start of treatment. The VAS scores were less and statistically significant in Group P at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after the start of treatment (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of oral prednisolone is effective in reducing the severity and duration of PDPH.