Abstract
Introduction
We measured the serum concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) by a high-sensitive method in patients with lumbar disc herniation. The level and type of herniation were evaluated. Inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukins are produced at the site of disc herniation and are now considered responsible for the pain perceived by the patient. Thus, purpose of this study is to test whether HSCRP can stand as an objective tool to predict postoperative recovery in patients undergoing lumbar discectomy. That is, to study association between preoperative HSCRP blood level and postoperative recovery with the help of modified Oswestry Back Disability Score.
Materials and Methods
A study group consisting of 50 cases of established lumbar disc disease and control group of 50 normal subjects, matched with the study group. Both the study and control groups were subjected to detailed evaluation with the help of modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Scale both pre andpostoperatively at 4 months, 8 months and 1-year. The preoperative blood samples were analyzed to assess the HSCRP concentration. All the cases underwent surgery over a period.
Results
The level of HSCRP in the study group was between 0.050– and 0.710 mg/dL and in the control group, 0.005–0.020 mg/dL. There was highly significant positive correlation between preoperative HSCRP level and postoperative score at p < 0.005. Cases with HSCRP level in the range of 0.1820 ± 0.079 mg/dL, showed better recovery (score improved > 10 points), while those with HSCRP level in the range of 0.470 ± 0.163 mg/dL, showed poor recovery (score improved < 10 points).
Conclusion
The significantly high concentration of serum hs-CRP might indicate a systemic inflammatory response to impingement of the nerve root caused by disc herniation and might be a predictor of recovery after operation.