An open study of pamidronate in the treatment of refractory degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis.
Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis, manifesting as chronic low back pain and neurogenic claudication, is an increasing chronic problem in an aging population, with limited effective conservative treatment options. Based on previous reports on the utility of subcutaneous calcitonin and two anectodal cases, we launched an open therapeutic trial of IV monthly pamidronate infusions, over a course of 3-6 months in this condition. Of 24 patients, 75% reported pain improvement, with the mean VAS score improved by 40%; while composite functional improvement in walking time, activities of daily living, and sense of well being was reported by 66%, with a mean improvement of 50%. The results of this pilot trial suggest the usefulness of this modality and warrant examination in a controlled clinical trial.
Feld
Joy
J
Rheumatology Department, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, P.O. Box 4940, Haifa, 31048, Israel.
Rosner
Itzhak
I
Avshovich
Nina
N
Boulman
Nina
N
Slobodin
Gleb
G
Rozenbaum
Michael
M
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077268:Pamidronate; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013130:Spinal Stenosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates; D000077268:Pamidronate