Related Experiment Videos
Histopathologic changes in primate spinal cord after single and repeated epidural phenol administration
J A Katz1, S Sehlhorst, K S Blisard
1Department of Anesthesia, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Ohio, USA.
Regional Anesthesia
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Epidural phenol injections caused nerve damage and motor weakness in primates, even at lower concentrations than used clinically. These risks suggest epidural phenol may be less safe than subarachnoid administration for pain and spasticity control.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Histopathology
Background:
- Epidural phenol injections are used for pain and spasticity management.
- The histopathologic effects of epidural phenol are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the histopathologic changes following single and repeated epidural administration of phenol in saline in nonhuman primates.
Main Methods:
- Nonhuman primates received single or multiple lumbar epidural injections of 3% or 6% phenol in saline.
- Control groups included unoperated animals and those receiving contrast material.
- Spinal cords were examined histopathologically two weeks post-injection.
Main Results:
- Phenol administration resulted in predominantly posterior root damage, with spinal cord and anterior root damage observed in some groups.
- Higher phenol concentrations (6%) and single doses led to more severe damage.
- Motor weakness was noted, but without a clear correlation to the extent of histopathologic changes.
Conclusions:
- Epidural phenol, even at concentrations below clinical levels, can cause motor weakness, root damage, and direct cord injury in primates.
- The potential risks of epidural phenol administration may exceed its benefits compared to subarachnoid administration due to difficulties in controlling spread.