The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) levels following erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in posterior lumbar decompression: a randomized, controlled trial

Małgorzata Domagalska, Bahadir Ciftsi, Piotr Janusz, Tomasz Reysner, Jerzy Kolasinski, Katarzyna Wieczorowska - Tobis, Grzegorz Kowalski

September 2023, pp 1 - 8 Original Article Read Full Article

First Online: 05 September 2023

Purpose

Neutrophile-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are the inflammatory biomarkers of the stress response. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on posterior lumbar decompression and stabilization by comparing NLR, PLR, postoperative pain, opioid consumption, and functional recovery between sham block and ESPB.

Methods

This was a prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial in a tertiary referral hospital. Sixty patients were randomized into two equal groups, each receiving either a sham block or ESPB. The primary outcome was the NLR and PLR 12 h and 24 h after lumbar posterior decompression and stabilization. The secondary outcomes were total opioid consumption and pain score 24 h postoperatively. Also, functional recovery determined by getting out of bed, verticalization, and walking by the balcony were reviewed as secondary outcomes.

Results

Significant differences existed between the sham block and ESPB group in NLR (29.08 ± 12.29 vs. 16.97 ± 10.38; p

Conclusion

ESPB performance during spinal surgery lowers NRL and PLR ratios 12 h and 24 h after surgery. In addition, ESPB provides better analgesia and improves functional recovery compared to sham block following posterior lumbar decompression and stabilization.

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