Status:

COMPLETED

Effectiveness of Oral Prednisone in Improving Physical Functioning and Decreasing Pain in People With Sciatica

Lead Sponsor:

Kaiser Permanente

Collaborating Sponsors:

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

Conditions:

Sciatica

Eligibility:

All Genders

18-70 years

Phase:

PHASE2

Brief Summary

Sciatica is a condition that causes a sharp, burning pain in the back, buttock, and leg. The condition is caused by injury to or compression of the sciatic nerve, which is located in the back of the l...

Detailed Description

Sciatica is most often caused by a herniated disc in the lumbar region of the back and results from inflammation of the nerve roots as they exit the spine. It is a very common cause of back and leg pa...

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

  • Seeks care at a Kaiser Permanente clinic spine care specialist at the San Jose, Redwood City, or Roseville site
  • Complains of low back pain and functionally incapacitating leg pain extending below the knee with a nerve root distribution
  • Score of at least 20 on the modified Oswestry Disability Index
  • Appears, in the opinion of the study physician, to be very likely to have a herniated lumbar disc
  • MRI study confirms a herniated disc consistent with the signs and symptoms

Exclusion

  • Onset of sciatica symptoms occurred more than 3 months before study entry
  • Cauda equina syndrome
  • Active cancer
  • Acute spinal fracture
  • Currently taking oral steroids
  • Diabetes mellitus and taking insulin or glycohemoglobin greater than 10%
  • Systolic blood pressure greater than 180 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure greater than 110 mm Hg
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Active peptic ulcer disease
  • History of intolerance to steroid therapy
  • Bleeding diathesis or anticoagulant therapy
  • Ongoing litigation or workers compensation claim for low back pain or sciatica
  • Underwent previous lumbar surgery
  • Received epidural steroid injection (ESI) within the 12 months before study entry
  • Unable to read or speak English
  • Progressive or severe motor loss

Key Trial Info

Start Date :

November 1 2008

Trial Type :

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation :

ACTUAL

End Date :

September 1 2013

Estimated Enrollment :

269 Patients enrolled

Trial Details

Trial ID

NCT00668434

Start Date

November 1 2008

End Date

September 1 2013

Last Update

April 28 2015

Active Locations (3)

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Page 1 of 1 (3 locations)

1

Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Redwood City

Redwood City, California, United States, 94063

2

Kaiser Permanente

Roseville, California, United States, 95661

3

Kaiser Permanente Northern California, San Jose

San Jose, California, United States, 94119