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Osteoporosis International

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01-11-2021 | Glucocorticoid | Review

The skeletal consequences of epidural steroid injections: a literature review

Authors: A. Krez, Y. Liu, S. Kanbour, S. Clare, S. Waldman, E.M. Stein

Published in: Osteoporosis International | Issue 11/2021

Abstract

Mini Abstract

This literature review summarized studies that evaluated the effects of epidural steroid injections (ESIs) on skeletal health. While evidence is limited, studies suggest that ESIs may cause bone loss. Better understanding of these skeletal consequences will help foster strategies to prevent bone loss in the growing population of patients receiving ESIs.

Purpose

Approximately nine million epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are administered annually in the United States to treat radicular back pain. ESIs often provide pain relief and functional improvement. While the overall incidence of adverse events resulting from ESIs is low, their effects on the skeleton are poorly understood. This is an important consideration given the profound skeletal impact of other forms of glucocorticoids.

Methods

Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed search results since 2010, including older, frequently referenced publications were reviewed.

Results

Systemic absorption of glucocorticoids occurs after ESI, which can cause hyperglycemia and endogenous cortisol suppression. The majority of studies investigating the skeletal effects of ESIs are retrospective. Several have found a relationship between low areal bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and ESI exposure, but this finding is not uniform. Recently a dose-response relationship between ESI exposure and low spine volumetric BMD by computed tomography has been reported. Few studies have investigated the relationship between ESI exposure and fracture risk. Results of these studies are conflicting, and most have not been adequately powered to detect fracture outcomes.

Conclusions

While evidence is limited, studies suggest that ESIs may cause bone loss, particularly those investigating volumetric BMD. Larger doses appear to confer greater risk. Further prospective studies are needed to investigate the relationship between ESI and fracture risk. Better understanding of the skeletal consequences of ESIs will help foster strategies to prevent bone loss in the growing population of patients receiving this treatment.

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Title: The skeletal consequences of epidural steroid injections: a literature review
Authors: A. Krez
Y. Liu
S. Kanbour
S. Clare
S. Waldman
E.M. Stein
Publication date: 01-11-2021
Publisher: Springer London
Keywords: Glucocorticoid
Back Pain
Back Pain
Back Pain
Published in: Osteoporosis International / Issue 11/2021
Print ISSN: 0937-941X
Electronic ISSN: 1433-2965
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-021-05986-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The skeletal consequences of epidural steroid injections: a literature review

Abstract

Mini Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Mini Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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