Korean J Anesthesiol.  1989 Feb;22(1):49-52. 10.4097/kjae.1989.22.1.49.

The Effects of Methylprednisolone Acetate that is Injected into the Epidural Space on the Hypothalmus - Pituitary - Adrenal Axis

• Kim JI
• Min BW
• Kim BK

• KMID: 2237912
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.1989.22.1.49

Abstract

Nowdays steroid injection into the epidural space is increasing gradually by pain clinic physician in order to control of low back and radiculating pain. But, there are a few reports about the effect of methylprednisolone that is injected into the epidural space on the plasma cortisol levels. So we undertook to determine the effect of epidural methylprednisolone acetate(Depomedrol) on the hypothalamus-pituitaryadrenal axis by checking plamsa cortisol levels. 9 patients were given 80 mg of methylprednisolone acetate and 10 ml of 0.25% bupicaine epidurally 3 times of injection at weekly intervals and checked the plasma cortisol levels of 1 hour before and after each injection respectively. The levels of plasma cortisol were also checked at first and 4th week after the last injection. The results are as follows: The baseline plasma cortisol level is 11.21+/-6.38mg%. The plasma cortisol levels of 1 hour before and after 2nd injection are 3.94+/-5.38 and 4.11+/-7.10mg%. The plasma cortisol levels of 1 hour before and after 3rd injection are 2.01+/-1.33 and 2.90+/-4.31mg%. The palsma cortisol level of 1st week after the last injection is 1.76+/-1.03mg%. The plasma cortisol level of 4th week after the last injection is 7.45+/-2.38mg%.

Keyword

Epidural space; Low back pain; Methylprednisolone acetate

MeSH Terms

Axis, Cervical Vertebra*
Epidural Space*
Humans
Hydrocortisone
Low Back Pain
Methylprednisolone*
Pain Clinics
Plasma
Hydrocortisone
Methylprednisolone