An open study of pamidronate in the treatment of refractory degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis.

Abstract

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.

• Authors: Joy Feld, Itzhak Rosner, Nina Avshovich, Nina Boulman, Gleb Slobodin, Michael Rozenbaum
• Journal: Clinical rheumatology (Clin Rheumatol) Vol. 28 Issue 6 Pg. 715-7 (Jun 2009) ISSN: 1434-9949 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 19219479 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Diphosphonates
• Pamidronate

Topics

• Activities of Daily Living (psychology)
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Diphosphonates (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Infusions, Intravenous
• Lumbar Vertebrae
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pamidronate
• Pilot Projects
• Spinal Stenosis (drug therapy, physiopathology, psychology)
• Treatment Outcome
• Walking (physiology, psychology)