Transforaminal Epidural Autologous Conditioned Serum Injection in the Treatment of Unilateral Lumbar Radicular Pain: A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

  • Masoud Hashemi Anesthesiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  • Siroos Moemenzadeh Anesthesiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  • Mehrdad Taheri Anesthesiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  • Payman Dadkhah Anesthesiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  • Sarah Hojjati Department of Exercise Education and Sport Sciences, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
  • Salman Vojdani Anesthesiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Non-communicable Disease Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31661/gmj.v11i.2324
Keywords: Low Back Pain, Intervertebral Disc Degeneration, Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist, Autologous Conditioned Serum

Abstract

Background: Low back pain could related to disc herniation and managed by surgery. Also, less invasive options, including epidural corticosteroid injection, are available; however, it is associated with side effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of autologous conditioned serum (ACS) in treating unilateral lumbar radicular pain. Materials and Methods: In this randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial study, a total of 68 patients received the transforaminal epidural injection, 28 patients received ACS, and 30 patients received 40 mg triamcinolone. Under fluoroscopic guidance in anterior-posterior and lateral views, a single injection of ACS or triamcinolone was done via the transforaminal epidural technique. Pain intensity was assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) at three weeks, three months, and six months. Results: A significant reduction in pain intensity was observed in patients of two groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups during the three months of the study. At the final evaluation at six months, the ACS group showed superiority over the triamcinolone based on the VAS score (P<0.05) and ODI (P=0.007). Conclusions: ACS therapy is a new effective option in treating lumbar radicular pain due to herniated disc. Since no specific complication has been reported, it can be used as a substitute for corticosteroids in such cases.

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Published
2022-12-10
How to Cite
Hashemi, M., Moemenzadeh, S., Taheri, M., Dadkhah, P., Hojjati, S., & Vojdani, S. (2022). Transforaminal Epidural Autologous Conditioned Serum Injection in the Treatment of Unilateral Lumbar Radicular Pain: A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial. Galen Medical Journal, 11, e2324. https://doi.org/10.31661/gmj.v11i.2324
Issue
Vol. 11 (2022): 2022
Section
Original Article

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