This retrospective observational study aims to evaluate the predictive value of systemic inflammatory markers in determining treatment response in patients with lumbar radicular pain treated with a combination of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) and transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI). Hematologic indices derived from routine blood tests-including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet-to-neutrophil ratio (PNR), neutrophil-to-monocyte ratio (NMR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), mean platelet volume (MPV), red cell distribution width-standard deviation (RDW-SD), and red cell distribution width-coefficient of variation (RDW-CV) and pain scores assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), will be analyzed in relation to treatment success (defined as ≥50% NRS reduction at 4 weeks). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis will be used to determine optimal cutoff values for significant markers. The study aims to contribute to personalized pain management strategies by identifying accessible biomarkers that may predict treatment outcomes.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 85 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:
* Age between 18 and 85 years.
* Clinically and radiologically confirmed diagnosis of lumbar radiculopathy.
* Underwent pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) and transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) targeting the same dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in a single session.
* Availability of pre-intervention laboratory data, including: Complete blood count (CBC)
* Documented Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores before and 4 weeks after the intervention.
* Medical records complete for demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables.
Exclusion Criteria:
* History of prior lumbar spine surgery.
* Presence of systemic inflammatory, autoimmune, or hematological diseases.
* Diagnosis of malignancy.
* Active infection at the time of procedure.
* Use of systemic corticosteroids or immunosuppressive agents within the last 4 weeks.
* Incomplete clinical or laboratory data.
* Patients outside the age range (under 18 or over 85)
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.