Use of Autologous Serum in Treatment of Lumbar Radiculopathy Pain. Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to determine the usefulness of autologous serum in the treatment of patients with signs of radicular compression in the course of lumbar discopathy. The treatment was based on the use of autologous conditioned serum (ACS, Orthokine). MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 15 patients with MRI-confirmed single-level nucleus pulposus herniation with signs of radicular compression without paresis in a clinical examination received 6 doses of ACS administered by the same doctor under ultrasound guidance from a posterolateral approach to the area of an intervertebral foramen. The clinical condition of the patients was reassessed at 1 month and 3 months after the administration of the last dose. Pain intensity was assessed with a scoring system and a VAS scale, and radicular oedema was assessed with the following clinical tests: one-leg stance (OLS test) and straight leg raise (SLR test); the disability level was measured with the Oswestry Disability Index. RESULTS Out of 15 patients, 2 persons had to undergo surgery due to increasing pain. The other subjects showed a statistically significant reduction of pain and clinical signs of radicular compression as well as improved Oswestry scores. No radicular damage following injections or serious complications of the treatment were found. CONCLUSIONS 1. The Orthokine therapy conducted under ultrasound guidance may be an interesting option in the treatment of compression radiculopathy in the course of radicular compression due to a herniated disc. 2. The present pilot study provides the rationale for studying larger groups of subjects in controlled studies over longer periods of time.