Neonatal Lumbar Puncture: The NeoCLEAR Trial

Lumbar punctures are frequently performed on neonates, but the success rates of this procedure remain low. The NeoCLEAR Randomised Controlled Trial sought to optimise infant lumbar puncture by evaluating two different modifications to the technique: the sitting position versus lying down and early stylet removal versus late stylet removal. This is the largest trial that has investigated paediatric lumbar puncture to date.

Chiesi has invited Professor Charles Roehr and Dr Andy Marshall to present the methods and findings of this trial and discuss the wider implications on neonatal practice.

Reference:
Marshall A et al. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. 2022;7(2):91-100.

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• Dr Andy Marshall

  Paediatric Consultant, RCPCH College Tutor and CEW Clinical Lead

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  Dr Andy Marshall

  Paediatric Consultant, RCPCH College Tutor and CEW Clinical Lead Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Children’s Hospital and Thames Valley

  Role and Location

  Paediatric Consultant, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust & RCPCH College Tutor, Children’s Hospital, Oxford

  CEW (Complications from Excess Weight) Clinic Lead, Thames Valley

  Research Interests

  Dr Andy Marshall has pursued projects in child public health and clinical research and has an enthusiasm for global health.

  He was the lead author in the NeoCLEAR study assessing infant position and timing of stylet removal in the possible improvement of lumbar puncture success.

  Memberships

  Trustee, Safeguarding lead, Born on the Edge

• Professor Charles Roehr

  Consultant Neonatologist and Honorary Professor of Neonatology

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  Professor Charles Roehr

  Consultant Neonatologist and Honorary Professor of Neonatology Southmead Hospital, Bristol

  Role and Location

  Consultant Neonatologist & Honorary Professor of Neonatology, Perinatal Research, Southmead Hospital, Bristol

  Education

  Professor Charles Roehr studied Medicine at the Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany. He received his Paediatric training in the UK (Oxford) and at the Charité University Medical Centre in Berlin. Following the completion of his research and teaching degree at the Charité (the German Habilitation), Charles spent two years as post-doc researcher and clinician with Professors S. Hooper and P. Davis in Melbourne, Australia (2012-14).

  Research Interests

  Professor Charles Roehr is an avid researcher and a strong proponent of evidence-based neonatology. His main interests are in resuscitation and non-invasive ventilation, on which he has published over 175 peer reviewed scientific articles.

  Memberships

  President of the European Society for Paediatric Research (ESPR), Clinical Director at the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit (NPEU), Immediate-past NLS Scientific Co-Chair (European Resuscitation Council).