JOURNAL ARTICLE

Examining Infectious Complications Following Lumbar Puncture in Children.

  • Published In: Clinical Pediatrics, 2025, v. 64, n. 6. P. 791 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Seddik, Talal B.; Burns, Julianne E.; Chen, Sharon F.; Schwenk, Hayden T.; Liao, Yungting; Horstman, Kimberly; Waris, Rabbia; dos Santos, Lyn M. 3 of 3

Abstract

This article focuses on infectious complications following lumbar puncture (LP) in children, a topic with limited existing data. A retrospective review at a quaternary-care children’s hospital identified five cases—four bacterial meningitis and one vertebral osteomyelitis—that developed within six weeks after an initial LP, with symptom onset often occurring 8 to 10 hours post-procedure. Infectious disease experts variably assessed the likelihood of iatrogenic causation, reflecting uncertainty in establishing direct causality. The study highlights the importance for pediatricians to consider repeating LP if clinical changes suggest meningitis after an initial LP, despite normal initial cerebrospinal fluid findings, and underscores the need for strict aseptic technique to prevent such infections.

Additional Information

  • Source:Clinical Pediatrics. 2025/06, Vol. 64, Issue 6, p791
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Health and Medicine
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0009-9228
  • DOI:10.1177/00099228241293901
  • Accession Number:185066879
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