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Updated: May 9, 2026
05:18
Ultrasound-Guided Needle Release Combined with Corticosteroid Injection for the Treatment of Supinator Syndrome
Published on: May 26, 2023
Systemic effects of epidural steroid injections
Martina Bellini1, Massimo Barbieri
1Pain Management Unit, San Carlo Clinic, Paderno Dugnano, MI, Italy. Bellini_martina@libero.it
Anaesthesiology Intensive Therapy
|July 24, 2013
Summary
Epidural corticosteroid injections (ESIs) are common for back pain but can have systemic effects. Careful monitoring for side effects and standardized protocols are necessary for safe administration.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Pharmacology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Epidural corticosteroid injections (ESIs) are frequently utilized for managing chronic back pain and radicular pain.
- Despite widespread use, a comprehensive review of the systemic effects of ESIs in humans is lacking.
- Understanding potential systemic effects is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a systematic review of published English-language literature on the systemic effects of epidural corticosteroid injections in humans.
- To consolidate current knowledge on the systemic adverse events associated with ESIs.
- To inform clinical practice regarding the safe administration of ESIs.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was performed in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases.
- Search terms included 'epidural' combined with 'steroids', 'corticosteroids', or 'glucocorticosteroids'.
- References from identified articles were also reviewed to ensure comprehensive data collection up to 2012.
Main Results:
- The review identified systemic effects associated with epidural corticosteroid injections.
- While ESIs are effective for radicular pain, systemic adverse events warrant attention.
- Data on the full spectrum of systemic effects remains to be conclusively established.
Conclusions:
- Epidural steroid injections are a widely used technique for treating radicular pain.
- Administration of ESIs requires caution and vigilant monitoring for potential systemic side effects.
- The development and implementation of standardized protocols for ESI administration are essential.
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