Randomized, Double-blind, Comparative-effectiveness Study Comparing Epidural Steroid Injections to Gabapentin in Patients With Lumbosacral Radiculopathy
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- epidural steroid injection
- Conditions
- Sciatica
- Sponsor
- Johns Hopkins University
- Enrollment
- 145
- Locations
- 3
- Primary Endpoint
- Worst Leg Pain at 3 Months Measured Using the Numeric Pain Scale
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 9 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
The purpose of this study is to determine whether pharmacotherapy or epidural steroid injections are a better treatment for lumbosacral radicular pain.
142 patients referred to a participating pain clinic with lumbosacral radiculopathy will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive one of two treatments. Half (n=71) of the patients will be allocated to receive an epidural steroid injection (ESI; group I), with an equal number allocated to receive gabapentin (group II). Patients & evaluating physicians will be blinded. Follow-up will be through 3-months after treatment.
Detailed Description
142 patients referred to a participating pain clinic with lumbosacral radiculopathy will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive one of two treatments. Half (n=71) of the patients will be allocated to receive an ESI (group I), with an equal number allocated to receive gabapentin (group II). Group I patients with unilateral symptoms will receive (unilateral) transforaminal ESI, while those with bilateral symptoms will receive (central) interlaminar ESI, as is common practice. In group II patients who receive gabapentin, the dose will be titrated to between 1800 mg/d and 2700 mg/d in TID dosing, but may be lowered or elevated (up to 3600 mg/d) depending on the clinical circumstances. To ensure blinding, these patients will also receive midline (for patients with bilateral symptoms who would receive interlaminar ESI) or unilateral paraspinal (for patients with unilateral symptoms who would receive transforaminal ESI) normal saline into the interspinal ligaments or paraspinal musculature, respectively. Injections and medication titration will commence on the same day. Rescue medications will consist of tramadol 50 mg 1 to 2 tablets every 6 hours PRN (up to 8/d) and/or ibuprofen 400-800 mg every 6 hours PRN (not-to-exceed 3000 mg/d). Patients already taking analgesics, including opioids, can continue on these medications "as needed". The first follow-up visit will be scheduled 1-month from the start of treatment. A positive outcome will be defined as a \> 2-point decrease in leg pain coupled with a positive satisfaction rating. Subjects who obtain a positive outcome at their initial 1-month follow-up visit will remain in the study and return for the final 3-month follow-up visit. Those with a negative outcome will exit the study "per protocol" to receive standard care, which may consist of unblinded ESI, medical management with drugs such as gabapentin (for those who did not receive gabapentin) and antidepressants, and physical therapy. Subjects who obtain a positive outcome at 1-month but experience a recurrence before their 3-month follow-up visit will also exit the study per protocol, with their final outcome measures recorded before they receive standard care. At all follow-up visits, pill counts will be conducted to determine medication compliance.
Investigators
Steven P. Cohen
Professor
Johns Hopkins University
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Lumbosacral radicular pain based on history and physical exam (e.g. pain radiating into one or both lower extremities, sensory loss, muscle weakness, positive straight leg raising test etc.)
- •Numerical Rating Scale leg pain score \> 4 (or if 3/10, greater or equal to back pain)
- •MRI evidence of spinal pathology consistent with symptoms
Exclusion Criteria
- •Untreated coagulopathy
- •Previous spine surgery
- •No MRI study
- •Leg pain \> 4 years duration Epidural steroid injection within past 3 years Cauda equina syndrome Previous failed trials with gabapentin or pregabalin Allergic reactions to gabapentin or pregabalin Referrals from surgery for diagnostic injections for surgical evaluation Serious medical or psychiatric that condition that might preclude optimal outcome or interfere with participation, such as the need for uninterrupted anticoagulation.
Arms & Interventions
Epidural steroids
Injection of steroids into the epidural space
Intervention: epidural steroid injection
Epidural steroids
Injection of steroids into the epidural space
Intervention: Placebo gabapentin
Gabapentin
Titration of gabapentin to effect
Intervention: Sham epidural steroid injection
Gabapentin
Titration of gabapentin to effect
Intervention: Gabapentin
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Worst Leg Pain at 3 Months Measured Using the Numeric Pain Scale
Time Frame: 3 months from the start of treatment
This outcome measure compares the worst leg pain at baseline to the worst leg pain at 3 months after the start of treatment. This is measured using the Numeric Pain Scale. The Numeric Pain Scale ranges from 0-10. 0 being no pain at all and 10 being the worst imaginable pain possible. The epidural steroid injection group is compared to the gabapentin group.
Average Leg Pain at 3 Months Measured Using the Numeric Pain Scale
Time Frame: 3 months from the start of treatment
This outcome measure compares the average leg pain at baseline to the average leg pain 3 month after the start of treatment. This is measured using the Numeric Pain Scale. The Numeric Pain Scale ranges from 0-10. 0 being no pain at all and 10 being the worst imaginable pain possible. The epidural steroid injection group is compared to the gabapentin group.
Worst Leg Pain at 1 Month Measured Using the Numeric Pain Scale
Time Frame: 1 month from the start of treatment
This outcome measure compares the average leg pain at baseline to the average leg pain 1 month after the start of treatment. This is measured using the Numeric Pain Scale. The Numeric Pain Scale ranges from 0-10. 0 being no pain at all and 10 being the worst imaginable pain possible. The epidural steroid injection group is compared to the gabapentin group.
Average Leg Pain at 1 Month Measured Using the Numeric Pain Scale
Time Frame: 1 month after the start of treatment
This outcome measure compares the average leg pain at baseline to the average leg pain 1 month after the start of treatment. This is measured using the Numeric Pain Scale. The Numeric Pain Scale ranges from 0-10. 0 being no pain at all and 10 being the worst imaginable pain possible. The epidural steroid injection group is compared to the gabapentin group.
Secondary Outcomes
- Outcomes Related to Disability Measured at 3 Month Using the Oswestry Disability Index(3 months after the start of treatment)
- Proceeded to Surgery Within Year of Enrollment(Measured within the year of enrollment in the study)
- Outcomes Related to Disability Measured at 1 Month Using the Oswestry Disability Index(1 month after the start of treatment)
- Global Perceived Effect of Treatment at 3 Months After the Start of Treatment(3 months after the start of treatment)
- Average Back Pain at 1 Month Measured Using the Numeric Pain Scale(1 month fromt he start of treatment)
- Average Back Pain at 3 Months Measured Using the Numeric Pain Scale(3 months from the start of treatment)
- Global Perceived Effect of Treatment at 1 Month After the Start of Treatment(1 month after the start of treatment)
- Worst Back Pain at 1 Month Measured Using the Numeric Pain Scale(1 month from the start of treatment)
- Worst Back Pain at 3 Months Measured Using the Numeric Pain Scale(3 months after the start of treatment)