MATERIAL and METHODS: A retrospective review of nine patients (four men, five women; mean age 42.3 yr) with SIH resistant to conservative treatment (bed rest, hydration and analgesics) was performed. All patients had an orthostatic headache. Intravenous administration of Factor XIII (1200 units per day for at least five days) was additionally performed on all patients.
RESULTS: The orthostatic headache completely resolved and never reoccurred in six patients (67%), and partially resolved in two patients (22%). One patient (11%) had no change in headache activity. No complications occurred in any patients treated with Factor XIII.
CONCLUSION: This study may suggest that intravenous administration of Factor XIII is useful for treating SIH, even if the patients are resistant to conservative treatment.
Keywords : Spontaneous intracranial hypotension, Factor XIII, Orthostatic headache, Conservative treatment, Epidural blood patch