Subclinical Propionibacterium Acnes Infection Estimation in the Intervertebral Disc (SPInE-ID) (NCT03158766) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Subclinical Propionibacterium Acnes Infection Estimation in the Intervertebral Disc (SPInE-ID)
Brazil108 participantsStarted 2017-05-31
Plain-language summary
Subclinical infection of the intervertebral disc after lumbar disc herniation surgery has been correlated to chronic low back pain and vertebral endplate changes. The most commonly reported agent is Propionibacterium acnes. However, the real incidence is unclear, as it has been reported in some series ranging from 3.7% to 46%. Recently, a systematic review concluded that there is a relationship between P. acnes and endplate changes, but, there are so far no studies to verify whether the reported presence of that pathogen in the intervertebral discs is due to local infection or whether intraoperative contamination occurred during the collection of samples.
Thus, the main objective of this study is to estimate the incidence of subclinical infection in patients surgically treated for lumbar disc herniation.
To this end, a prospective cohort study will be conducted with a minimum of 95 patients between 18 and 65 years of age who have been submitted to surgery after failure of conservative treatment. The extruded disc will be removed and cultured for bacterial identification. As controls, the ligamentum flavum and the multifidus muscle, taken respectively before and after removal of the herniated fragment will also be cultured. Patients will be followed-up for a year and MRI will be done at the end of this period.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Subjects between 18 and 65 years of age; both genders; with diagnose of lumbar disc herniation undergoing open decompression surgery (microdiscectomy). Patients willing and able to go through all phases of clinical investigation and rehabilitation will be included. An Informed Consent Form (ICF) must be signed.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients with previous lumbar disc surgery at the same level at any point of life; patients undergoing chemotherapy; patients with any immune deficiency; patients previously submitted to disc injection and/or discography; patients submitted to previous endoscopic disc surgery; patients with fusion performed at the same stage of decompression surgery; patients with any other infection within the last six months or usage of antibiotics within the last two months; patients with incomplete specific form or data; decline to participate or sign the ICF.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Rate of Intervertebral Disc Infection
Timeframe: through study completion, an average of 1 year