UnknownNot Applicable

Utility of Ultrasound-Guided Site Marking in Pediatric Lumbar Punctures

United States60 participantsStarted 2021-03-15

Plain-language summary

The standard way to identify landmarks in the spine before inserting a needle for a lumbar puncture is to feel by touch. The purpose of this research is to determine if doing an ultrasound to identify landmarks before performing a lumbar puncture will improve the first-time success rate of the needle insertion in pediatric patients.

Who can participate

Age range

17 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Birth to 17y of age * Patient currently in Pediatric ED, Ward, or ICU * Determined by providers caring for the patient that lumbar puncture is clinically indicated * Parent/Legal Guardian able to give consent prior to the procedure Exclusion Criteria: * Known anatomic spinal deformity (e.g. scoliosis) * Critical illness where emergent lumbar puncture is needed * Patients only able to be entered in the study once per encounter * Patients who are wards of the state or in foster care

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Attempts

Timeframe: Through study completion, anticipated average of 1 year

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04828746

SponsorCarilion Clinic

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2022-12

Contact for this trial

Andrew Hayes, DO

540-682-0259 ajhayes@carilionclinic.org

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Ultrasound Therapy; Complications trials