Publications by authors named "Lars C Braten"
Objective: The efficacy of TNF inhibitors for treating chronic low back pain with Modic changes is uncertain. This study investigated the superiority of infliximab over placebo in patients with Modic changes type 1.
Methods: In this multicenter, randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients aged 18-65 with moderate to severe chronic low back pain and Modic changes type 1 were enrolled from five Norwegian public hospitals between January 2019 and October 2022.
Introduction: Bacterial infection and Modic changes (MCs) as causes of low back pain (LBP) are debated. Results diverged between two randomised controlled trials examining the effect of amoxicillin with and without clavulanic acid versus placebo on patients with chronic LBP (cLBP) and MCs. Previous biopsy studies have been criticised with regard to methods, few patients and controls, and insufficient measures to minimise perioperative contamination.
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- * The study involved 180 patients who received either antibiotics or a placebo, measuring outcomes in terms of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) over 12 months and analyzing healthcare costs.
- * Results showed that the antibiotic group had higher healthcare costs and a cost per QALY gained of €24,625, with a 51% probability of being cost-effective within a willingness-to-pay threshold of €27,500.
Article Synopsis
- Limited reliability data on spinal edema changes using MRI STIR sequences exist, prompting assessment of inter-observer reliability for Modic changes on lumbar spine images.
- In a study with 120 patients, three radiologists independently evaluated Modic changes and related STIR signal increases, measuring agreement through kappa values.
- Results showed very good agreement for detecting STIR signal increases, but moderate reliability for accurately categorizing their size and extent.