We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Events

09 Apr 2024 - 12 Apr 2024
15 Apr 2024 - 17 Apr 2024
23 Apr 2024 - 26 Apr 2024

New Approach to Aid in Diagnosing Lower Back Pain Revealed

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 27 Jan 2016
Print article
Image: T1 weighted sagittal cervical spine MRI showing degenerative disc disease, osteophytes, and osteoarthritis of C5-C6 (Image courtesy of Wikimedia).
Image: T1 weighted sagittal cervical spine MRI showing degenerative disc disease, osteophytes, and osteoarthritis of C5-C6 (Image courtesy of Wikimedia).
In a clinical study, scientists have identified a potential new method, based on biochemical profiling of serum for circulating cytokines, that may assist in refining personalized diagnoses of disc diseases and possibly even in distinguishing between severe and mild conditions.

Physicians trying to diagnose low-back pain (LBP) look at many potential causes and unpredictable responses to treatment as LBP can come from any of various causes that can present in similar ways. In a new study, scientists from Feinstein Institute for Medical Research (Manhasset, NY, USA) in collaboration with clinicians from Northwell Health (Manhasset, NY, USA) performed multiplex assays on blood serum samples from 133 participants to examine biochemical profiles of cytokines (and matrix metalloproteinases).

The team, led by Nadeen Chahine, PhD, associate investigator, Feinstein Institute, recruited participants from Northwell Health: from a spine neurosurgery practice (n = 80), a back pain management practice (n = 27), a control cohort (n = 26). Participants with LBP had been diagnosed with intervertebral disc herniation (IDH), spinal stenosis (SS), or degenerative disc disease (DDD), but had not yet begun treatment. The main findings were that serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) were significantly higher in subjects with LBP compared with control participants, and that participants with SS or DDD had higher levels than those with IDH and controls. Further analysis showed positive correlations between IL-6 levels and BMI, symptom duration, and age.

The team’s findings suggest that patients with LBP have low-grade systemic inflammation and that profiling of circulating cytokines can assist in improving diagnosis of LBP.

"We're very excited by the results of this clinical study and will continue to study cytokine levels in the future," said Dr. Chahine.

The study, by Weber KT et al., was published January 7, 2016, in the journal Arthritis Research and Therapy.

Related Links:

Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
Northwell Health


Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Specimen Collection & Transport
POCT Fluorescent Immunoassay Analyzer
FIA Go
New
Gold Member
Fully Automated Cell Density/Viability Analyzer
BioProfile FAST CDV

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The OvaCis Rapid Test discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts (Photo courtesy of INEX)

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.