Systemic effects of epidural in spinal stenosis

28 Apr Systemic effects of epidural in spinal stenosis

An article / study from Friedly et al. in most recent edition of PAIN concludes, “The higher rates of cortisol suppression at 3 weeks in those receiving epidural corticosteroid injections, particularly with longer-acting insoluble corticosteroid formulations, are consistent with sustained systemic absorption of corticosteroid.”

I often refer spinal stenosis patients onwards to secondary care colleagues for spinal interventions.  Once the injections are completed there does not seem to be any follow-up.  Do we need to start monitoring these patients for adrenal suppression and / or osteoporosis?