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Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Dexamethasone

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Radicular; Neuropathic, Lumbar, Lumbosacral
Interventions
Procedure: Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection
Registration Number
NCT01303354
Lead Sponsor
Ahadian, Farshad M., M.D.
Brief Summary

The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness and safety of dexamethasone for transforaminal epidural steroid injection. A secondary aim of this study is to obtain data on the lowest most effective dose of dexamethasone for this treatment and the effective duration of effect.

Detailed Description

Transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI) have been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for radicular pain. Over the last decade, rare but serious complications have been reported following transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI). Recent research indicates that certain types of corticosteroids containing microscopic particles may be responsible for these adverse events. Dexamethasone (DXM) is a non-particulate cortico-steroid that has not been implicated in these adverse events. However, there is inadequate evidence up to date to support the use of Dexamethasone (DXM) for transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI). This study aims to bridge that gap.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
100
Inclusion Criteria
  • adults age 18 years and older, unilateral lumbar radicular pain, baseline distal radicular lower extremity pain VAS score ≥ 5/10, and prior favorable response to TFESI
Exclusion Criteria
  • pregnancy, infection, coagulopathy, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, history of allergy to iodinated contrast medium and interventional therapies for pain within 90 days prior to study enrollment

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
DXM 8 mgLumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid InjectionDexamethasone 8 mg
DXM 4 mgLumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid InjectionDexamethasone 4 mg
DXM 12 mgLumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid InjectionDexamethasone 12 mg
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Radicular Pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Score change from baselineBaseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks post injection

Reduction of pain from baseline at each time point.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)- change from baselineBaseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks post injection

Improvement of disability level from baseline at each time point

Subject Global Impression of Change (SGIC)4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks

Allows comparison of Subject Global Impression of Change (SGIC) between groups at each time point

Subject Global Satisfaction Scale (SGSS)4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks post injection

Allows comparison of Subject Global Satisfaction Scale (SGSS) among groups at each time point

Number of Subjects with Adverse Events as a Measure of Safety and TolerabilityDay of and 1 week post injection

Subjects were specifically assessed for the following adverse events on day-of and one-week post injection: allergic reaction, neurovascular events, pain on injection, paresthesias during the procedure or dysesthesias post procedure, dural puncture, headache, meningismus, neck pain, arm pain, worsening of back pain, worsening of leg pain, facial flusing, mania, insomnia, agitation, hypertension, hyperglycemia. They were also asked to report any other side-effects or complications.

Trial Locations

Locations (2)

University of California, San Diego - Center for Pain Medicine

🇺🇸

La Jolla, California, United States

San Diego VA Healthcare System

🇺🇸

La Jolla, California, United States

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