Abnormal uterine bleeding: is it an under-reported side effect after epidural steroid injection for the management of low back pain?

摘要

We read Dr. Gitkind's report with great interest [1]. Since epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a rational treatment approach for radicular pain due to herniated nucleus pui-posus and lumbar stenosis [2], its popularity is rising. It is reported to decrease surgical rates and self-reported pain and disability [3]. Corticosteroids contribute to pain treatment with their ability to decrease inflammation by inhibiting production of prostaglandins and excitation of c-fibers, which is mainly responsible for pain generation. However, ESI is not an option free of side effect due to intervention itself and the drugs used [4]. Here, we describe two patients with abnormal uterine bleeding following ESI.