Epidural steroid injections do not induce weight gain.
OBJECTIVE
Neuraxial administration of steroids have been used in clinical practice for more than 50 years and have a well defined place in the treatment of radicular low back pain. However, steroids have widespread effects on almost all body systems, such as suppression of the pituitary-adrenal axis with consecutive weight gain and osteoporosis.


METHODS
We prospectively evaluated the effect of three consecutive epidural steroid injections with 40 mg. methylprednisolone acetate once monthly for 3 months on weight gain. The study population included 108 patients, who attended the pain clinic for chronic low back pain. Completed data were available for 100 patients.


RESULTS
We found no significant change in weight after administration of a series of three-epidural steroid injections.


CONCLUSIONS
It appears that neuraxial steroids administration doesn't induce weight gain.
Brill
Silviu
S
Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Pain Clinic, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel. silviu.brill@sheba.health.gov.il
Swartz
Andrei
A
Brill
Gherta
G
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004824:Epidural Space; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D008775:Methylprednisolone