Comparison Immediate and Acute Adverse Effects Following Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections with Dexamethasone and Diluted Triamcinolone

Abstract

Background: Transforaminal epidural steroid injections (both lumbar and cervical) are used in many treatments. The use of this method in the control and treatment of radicular pain is intensively expanding. In this method, and for the purpose of implementing the injection process, the needle is inserted from the posterolateral of the spine and steroids injected. Steroids include a wide range of medications, many of which are used in modern medicine. Research on these drugs is still underway. The use of Dexamethasone in lumbar transforaminal epidural injections and the study of complications caused by it have been less studied. In some previous studies, use of this steroid for lumbar transforaminal epidural injections has been mentioned. Methods: The present study was conducted in Shohada-e-Tajrish Hospital in Tehran. Patients over 18 years of age who were afflicted with Lumbar stenosis Foraminal (Diagnosis by MRI) and had associated with Radio Kevlar pain were selected. These patients are divided into two groups of 14. In a group, 2.5 cc dexamethasone 8 mg / cc diluted with 2.5 cc distilled water was injected. In the second group, 2.5 cc triamcinolone 40 mg / cc was injected with 2.5 cc distilled water in a volume of 5 cc. In order to evaluate and compare the effects of these two steroids on the patients, the results of the questionnaire were evaluated by statistical techniques and software SPSS 21. Results: The results showed that the use of dexamethasone had far more successful effects than another drug. However, the above conclusion is a relative conclusion and absolute expression is not possible. Pharmaceutical manifestations are the result of patient reactions. Thus, doing similar research and comparing drug performance should be put on the agenda of various research and medical teams. Conclusion: Use of Dexamethasone had far more successful effects than Triamcinolone on epidural steroid injections.