Repeat chymopapain injections. Results and complications.
In this review of 35 patients who received repeat chymopapain injections, 41% had an excellent result, 37% had some improvement, and 22% showed no improvement. Of the 21 patients followed who had the same disc injected twice, 43% had an excellent result and 24% had no improvement. Of the three patients followed who had a different disc injected on the second occasion, one had an excellent result, and none showed no improvement. There was no significant difference between the two groups. Six patients (17%) had an anaphylactic reaction to the second injection. Five had a major reaction. Repeat chymopapain injection may be a valid treatment for a protruded disc but should not be performed until a definitive test for sensitivity is developed.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shaughnessy Hospital/University of British Columbia, Vancouver.
J F
JF
Schweigel
J
J
Berezowskyj
D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D002917:Chymopapain / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D004487:Edema / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007022:Hypotension / Q000139:chemically induced; D007404:Intervertebral Disc Chemolysis / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male
D002917:Chymopapain