Journal Club Summary lumbar

Landmark Series
Straus SE, Thorpe KE, Holroyd-Leduc J. JAMA. 2006Oct.25;296(16):2012–22. 
PubMed Link


This systematic literature review and meta-analysis in the Rational Clinical Examination series found a non-significant trend towards less post-LP headache with the use of atraumatic needle a
nd mobilization post-LP. Reinsertion of the stylet significantly reduced post-LP headache and CSF wbc>500 and lactate>3.5mmol/L accurately diagnosed bacterial meningitis. JC attendees felt atraumatic needles should be universally adopted and that CSF lactate should be explored as a test to become available in our ED.

Author