Transforaminal epidural Etanercept for the treatment of prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc induced sciatica.

STUDY

DESIGN

Hospital based prospective study.

OBJECTIVE

To study clinical response of transforaminal epidural Etanercept for lumbar prolapsed intervertebral disc induced sciatica.

METHOD: Patients presenting to O.P.D and Emergency services of our hospital were screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria & suitable candidates were enrolled in study. Patients received 2 transforaminal epidural injections of Etanercept 2 mg, 2 weeks apart, and were assessed for efficacy at 2 week, 1 month and 3 months after the second injection. Primary outcome was based on Visual Analog Scale for leg (VASL) and back pain (VASB) and secondary outcome was based on Modified Oswestry back related disability index (ODI).

RESULTS

31 of 33 enrolled patients completed study. Patients showed clinically and statistically significant (p < 0.001) reduction in VASL, VASB and ODI. There was no incidence of adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Epidural Etanercept is promising and effective non-operative treatment for patients with sciatica. But these results need to be confirmed by a randomized controlled trial.