HELPUS Study: Improving Lumbar Puncture Success in Infants

This study, called HELPUSTM (Hemorrhage Elimination During Lumbar Puncture Using Ultrasound Measurements), is looking at how using ultrasound during a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) can help doctors get a good sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) more often. A lumbar puncture is a procedure where a needle is inserted into the lower back to collect CSF, often to check for infections like meningitis in babies. The study will use ultrasound to help guide the needle and find the best spot to insert it. We want to see if this method increases the chance of getting a usable CSF sample on the first try. This is important because successful lumbar punctures can lead to shorter hospital stays and less stress for families. We are looking for about 80 infants, from 1 day to 12 months old, who are stable and need a lumbar puncture for diagnosis. We are not looking for infants with known spinal problems or who are unstable.

Study design
This is an interventional study planning to enroll 80 participants. The study is designed to compare the success rate of lumbar punctures using ultrasound guidance.
What's involved
Participants will undergo a lumbar puncture procedure with ultrasound assistance. The primary endpoint is measured at approximately 1 hour after the lumbar puncture.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for approximately 1 hour after the lumbar puncture to measure the successful LP rate.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07612644

Hemorrhage Elimination During Lumbar Puncture Using Ultrasound Measurements (HELPUS)

Recruiting
NAAges 1–12InterventionalDiagnostic
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
~80 participants
Updated 2026-05-29 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:ultrasound contrast

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Successful LP rate
Measured over Time from lumbar puncture to results of CSF returned by lab, approximately 1 hour.
Lumbar Puncture
1 sites across 1 states
Tennessee1

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

Do you actually qualify for this trial?

Add a private profile and we'll compare every criterion below against your situation — and tell you which ones are met, uncertain, or excluding.

Check eligibility for this trial ~2 min · HIPAA-protected · delete anytime
Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

\- Neonates and infants (\< 12 months)
Hemodynamically stable
Undergoing a lumbar puncture for diagnostic testing

Exclusion

\- Infants \> 12 months and 1 day
Signs of clinical instability
Known spinal anomalies (e.g., spina bifida, meningomyelocele) or previous spinal surgery
  • Successful LP rateTime from lumbar puncture to results of CSF returned by lab, approximately 1 hour.

    Acquisition of CSF sufficient for cell count, culture and meningoencephalitis PCR panel (MEP).