10% Dextrose Versus Triamcinolone Injections After Pulsed Radiofrequency for Herniated Nucleus Pu… (NCT07757321) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
10% Dextrose Versus Triamcinolone Injections After Pulsed Radiofrequency for Herniated Nucleus Pulposus
Indonesia40 participantsStarted 2025-12-05
Plain-language summary
Lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) is a common cause of chronic low back pain and radiculopathy. Transforaminal epidural steroid injection is commonly used as an adjuvant following pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment but is associated with potential steroid-related adverse effects. Ten percent dextrose has been proposed as a regenerative, non-steroidal alternative. This single-blind randomized controlled trial compares the effectiveness of transforaminal epidural 10% dextrose versus triamcinolone administered after PRF in reducing pain, disability, and neuropathic pain in patients with lumbar HNP over a 14-day follow-up 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:
* Adults aged 18-65 years.
* Diagnosed with lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
* Chronic low back pain and/or radicular pain for at least 3 months.
* Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain score ≥4.
* No indication for surgical intervention.
* Eligible for pulsed radiofrequency of the dorsal root ganglion with transforaminal epidural injection.
* Able to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Previous lumbar spine surgery.
* Progressive neurological deficits or cauda equina syndrome.
* Indication for immediate spinal surgery.
* Known hypersensitivity to dextrose, triamcinolone, local anesthetics, or study medications.
* Coagulation disorders or current anticoagulant therapy that cannot be safely discontinued.
* Local or systemic infection.
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
* Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or other severe uncontrolled systemic disease.
* Severe psychiatric illness or cognitive impairment affecting study participation.
* Participation in another interventional clinical trial.
* Inability or unwillingness to complete the scheduled follow-up assessments.
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
Pain intensity measured by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)
Timeframe: Baseline, 2 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, 7 days, and 14 days after intervention