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A pilot study of the dose-response of caudal methylprednisolone with levobupivacaine in chronic lower back pain.

Author(s): McCahon RA, Ravenscroft A, Hodgkinson V, Evley R, Hardman J

Affiliation(s): Department of Anesthesia, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK. rob.mccahon@nottingham.ac.uk

Publication date & source: 2011-07, Anaesthesia., 66(7):595-603. Epub 2011 May 13.

Publication type: Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

The question as to what constitutes the ideal epidural steroid injection remains unresolved. We performed a prospective, randomised, double-blind, AB/BA 2 x 2 crossover study of caudal 40 vs 80 mg methylprednisolone acetate (in 20 ml levobupivacaine 0.125%) in outpatients with chronic low back pain. Data from 33 participants were analysed. The Oswestry Disability Index improved in both dose groups over time following injection. However, a statistically significant improvement was only observed in the 40 mg methylprednisolone acetate group (40 mg: p < 0.001; 80 mg: p = 0.33). There was no statistically significant difference between the dose groups in change in the Oswestry Disability Index with respect to time. Methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg appears to be as effective as 80 mg in improving disability associated with chronic low back pain, and should be considered in preference to the 80 mg dose for outpatients with chronic low back pain attending for repeat caudal steroid injection. (c) 2011 The Authors. Anaesthesia (c) 2011 The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland.

Page last updated: 2011-12-09

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