A reduction in serum IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, and GM-CSF serves as potential markers for a positive outcome to lumbar epidural steroid injections.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated serum inflammatory cytokine levels before and after transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI) to assess their potential as biomarkers for predicting favorable outcomes in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy. All 120 eligible patients diagnosed with lumbosacral radiculopathy underwent blood collection 1) before TFESI and 2) two weeks after the procedure. A 5.0 mg dexamethasone mixture with local anesthetics was injected at each epidural level. This study defined a favorable response as a pain reduction of more than 50% at the 2-week follow-up. Serum inflammatory cytokines between good and poor responders were analyzed. Data collection included pain characteristics, clinical presentations, and radiographic findings. Positive responses were observed in 73 out

SUBMITTER: Chalermkitpanit P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12373237 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature