Progression From Gestational Diabetes Mellitus to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Among First Nations Women in Northwest Ontario: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim in this study was to identify the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus among First Nations women in northwest Ontario with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: This work was a retrospective cohort study of women diagnosed with GDM using a 50-gram oral glucose challenge test or a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2017, at the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre. Outcomes were assessed based on glycated hemoglobin (A1C) measurements performed between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of T2DM among women with a history of GDM was 18% (42 of 237) at 2 years and 39% (76 of 194) at 6 years. Women with GDM who developed T2DM were of similar age and parity and had equivalent C-section rates (26%) compared to those who did not develop T2DM. They had higher birth weights (3,866 grams vs 3,600 grams, p=0.006) and rates of treatment with insulin (24% vs 5%, p<0.001) and metformin (16% vs 5%, p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: GDM confers a significant risk for the development of T2DM in First Nations women. Broad community-based resources, food security, and social programming are required.

Effectiveness of an outbreak dose of mumps-containing vaccine in two First Nations communities in Northern Ontario, Canada.

Between 18 Dec 2017 and 27 June 2018, a mumps outbreak occurred in two Canadian Indigenous communities. An outbreak dose of mumps-containing vaccine was offered as part of control measures. We conducted a cohort study and survival analysis to describe the outbreak and evaluate the outbreak dose, extracting vaccination information on all community members (n = 3,135) from vaccination records. There were 70 mumps cases; 56% had received two pre-outbreak vaccine doses. Those who received a pre-outbreak dose more distantly had higher rates of mumps compared to those with more recent doses (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.4 (95%CI: 0.7-20.6) for receipt >20 years before vs. receipt ≤3 years). During the outbreak, 33% (1,010/3,080) of eligible individuals received an outbreak dose. The adjusted hazard ratio for no outbreak dose receipt was 2.7 (95%CI: 1.0-10.1). Our results suggest that an outbreak dose of mumps-containing vaccine may be an effective public health intervention, but further study is warranted.

Diabetes prevalence and demographics in 25 First Nations communities in northwest Ontario (2014-2017).

INTRODUCTION: First Nations communities are known to have high rates of diabetes. The rural First Nations communities in northwest (NW) Ontario are particularly affected. Regional studies in 1985 and 1994 found a high prevalence of diabetes. More recently, they are estimated to have the highest prevalence in Ontario at 19%, double the provincial norm. The purpose of this study is to examine the epidemiology and prevalence of diabetes in the total population and cardiovascular comorbidities in the adult population of 25 First Nations communities in NW Ontario. METHODS: This retrospective diabetes prevalence study used primary care electronic medical record data for a 3-year period, 1 August 2014-31 July 2017. Diabetes prevalence was calculated for both the total and the adult (18+) populations and comorbid hypertension and dyslipidaemia were identified in adults. RESULTS: The age-adjusted diabetes prevalence for the total population was 15.1% versus a Canadian prevalence of 8.8%. The age-adjusted adult prevalence was 14.1%, double Canada's average of 7.1%. The average age of adults with diabetes was 52 years (±14.9); 57% were female. Comorbid hypertension (58%) and dyslipidaemia (73%) were common. Metformin was the most commonly used medication (58%), followed by insulin/analogues (23%) and sulphonylureas (13%). CONCLUSION: The diabetes prevalence in the First Nations population of NW Ontario is double Canada's norm. Addressing it will require addressing relevant social determinants of health, including poverty and food security.

Résumé Introduction : Les communautés des Premières nations sont reconnues pour leur taux élevé de diabète, particulièrement les communautés rurales des Premières nations du Nord-Ouest de l'Ontario. Des études régionales réalisées en 1985 et 1994 ont révélé une forte prévalence de diabète. Plus récemment, on a estimé que la prévalence dans ces communautés s'élevait à 19 %, la plus forte en Ontario et le double de la norme provinciale. Cette étude visait à examiner l'épidémiologie et la prévalence du diabète auprès de la population totale et les comorbidités cardiovasculaires auprès de la population adulte de 25 communautés des Premières nations du Nord-Ouest de l'Ontario. Méthodologie : Cette étude rétrospective visant à évaluer la prévalence du diabète a eu recours aux données sur 3 ans des dossiers médicaux électroniques des cliniques de première ligne, soit du 1er août 2014 au 31 juillet 2017. La prévalence du diabète a été calculée dans les populations totale et d'adultes (18 ans et plus) et l'hypertension et la dyslipidémie ont été dépistées en concomitance chez les adultes. Résultats: La prévalence du diabète ajustée en fonction de l'âge dans la population totale était de 15,1 % par rapport à la prévalence canadienne de 8,8 %. La prévalence ajustée en fonction de l'âge chez les adultes était de 14,1 %, soit le double de la prévalence canadienne de 7,1 %. L'âge moyen des adultes diabétiques était de 52 (±14,9) ans; et 57 % des participants étaient de sexe féminin. L'hypertension (58 %) et la dyslipidémie (73 %) étaient courantes en concomitance. La metformine était le médicament le plus fréquemment utilisé (58 %), suivie de l'insuline/analogues (23 %) et des sulfonylurées (13 %). Conclusion: La prévalence du diabète dans les populations des Premières nations du Nord-Ouest de l'Ontario est le double de celle du Canada. Pour régler la situation, il faudra se pencher sur les déterminants sociaux de la santé pertinents tels que la pauvreté et l'insécurité alimentaire. Mots-clés: Diabète, Premières nations, prévalence.

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular comorbidities in adults in First Nations communities in northwest Ontario: a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of adult chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular comorbidities in Canadian Indigenous communities is largely unknown. We conducted a study to document the prevalence of chronic kidney disease and concurrent diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia in a First Nations population in northwest Ontario. METHODS: In this observational study, we used retrospective data collected from regional electronic medical records of 16 170 adults (age ≥ 18 yr) from 26 First Nations communities in northwest Ontario from May 2014 to May 2017. Demographic and laboratory data included age, gender, prescribed medications, estimated glomerular filtration rate, urine albumin:creatinine ratio, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) concentration. We identified patients with diabetes by an HbA1c concentration of 6.5% or higher, or the use of a diabetic medication, those with dyslipidemia by an elevated LDL-C level (≥ 2.0 mmol/L) or use of lipid-lowering medication, and those with hypertension by use of antihypertensive medication. RESULTS: Of the 16 170 adults residing in the communities, 5224 unique patients (32.3%) had renal testing (albumin:creatinine ratio and/or estimated glomerular filtration rate). The age-adjusted prevalence of chronic kidney disease was 14.5%, and the prevalence of stage 3-5 chronic kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min) was 7.0%. Most patients with chronic kidney disease (1487 [80.0%]) had at least 1 cardiovascular comorbidity. A total of 1332 patients (71.6%) had diabetes, 1313 (70.6%) had dyslipidemia, and 1098 (59.1%) had hypertension; all 3 comorbidities were present in 716 patients (38.5%). INTERPRETATION: We document a high prevalence of advanced chronic kidney disease in this First Nations population, 7.0%, double the rate in the general population. High rates of cardiovascular comorbidities were also common in these patients with chronic kidney disease, which places them at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

Characterizing high-frequency emergency department users in a rural northwestern Ontario hospital: a 5-year analysis of volume, frequency and acuity of visits.

INTRODUCTION: High-frequency emergency department users contribute substantially to urban emergency department workloads. The scope of this issue in rural emergency care provision is largely unknown. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed emergency department visits at the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre and associated primary care data from 2010 to 2014 for high-frequency (≥ 6 annual visits) and non-high-frequency(< 6 annual visits) emergency department users. RESULTS: High-frequency use of the emergency department was stable over the study period. High-frequency users constituted 7.2% of the emergency department patient population and accounted for 31.3% of the emergency department workload and 24.3% of hospital admissions. High-frequency users had similar clinical presentations as non-high-frequency users but required fewer admissions per emergency department visit (5.3% vs. 7.6%, p < 0.001). High-frequency users had more low-acuity presentations and concurrently accessed primary care services twice as often as non-high-frequency users. Females outnumbered males across all age categories in both user groups. CONCLUSION: High-frequency emergency department use is an important issue for rural hospitals. High use of this rural emergency department was not associated with limited use of primary care services. Aside from accepting that "they will always be with us," more research, particularly qualitative, is needed to understand why some patients frequently visit a rural emergency department.

INTRODUCTION: Les grands utilisateurs des services d'urgence contribuent substantiellement au fardeau de ces unités en milieu urbain. On connaît mal l'ampleur de cet enjeu lorsqu'il est question des services d'urgence en milieu rural. METHODS: Nous avons analysé rétrospectivement les consultations aux services d'urgence du Centre de santé Meno Ya Win de Sioux Lookout et les données associées concernant les soins primaires de 2010 à 2014 chez les grands utilisateurs (≥ 6 consultations/année) et les autres utilisateurs (< 6 consultations/année) des services d'urgence. RESULTS: Chez les grands utilisateurs, le recours aux services d'urgence est demeuré stable pendant la période de l'étude. Ils ont représenté 7,2 % de l'achalandage de ces services, 31,3 % du fardeau de travail et 24,3 % des hospitalisations. Les grands utilisateurs présentaient des tableaux cliniques similaires à ceux des autres utilisateurs, mais ont nécessité moins d'hospitalisations par consultation (5,3 % c. 7,6 %, p < 0,001). Les grands utilisateurs présentaient plus de tableaux peu aigus et accédaient concomitamment aux services de soins primaires 2 fois plus souvent que les autres utilisateurs. Les femmes étaient plus nombreuses que les hommes, toutes catégories d'âge confondues, chez les 2 types d'utilisateurs. CONCLUSION: Les grands utilisateurs des services d'urgence constituent un enjeu de taille pour les hôpitaux ruraux. La grande utilisation de ces services d'urgence n'a pas été associée à une utilisation limitée des services de soins primaires. À part se résigner au fait que « les grands utilisateurs feront toujours partie du tableau ¼, il faut approfondir la recherche, qualitative principalement, pour comprendre pourquoi certains patients consultent souvent les services d'urgence de l'hôpital rural.

Maternal opioid use disorder and neonatal abstinence syndrome in northwest Ontario: a 7-year retrospective analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Opioid use in pregnancy is increasing globally. In northwest Ontario, rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) are alarmingly high. We sought to document the increasing rates of opioid exposure during pregnancy and associated cases of NAS over a 7-year period in northwest Ontario. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review at the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre catchment area (population 29 000) maternity program in northwest Ontario of mother-infant dyads of live births from Jan. 1, 2009, to Dec. 31, 2015. The Integrated Pregnancy Program provides maternal, neonatal and addiction care for obstetrical patients at the health centre. We collected data on prenatal opioid exposure due to illicit and opioid agonist therapy (OAT) from patient/prescription histories and urine toxicology reports. Rates of NAS (diagnosed as a Finnegan score > 7) were recorded retrospectively from neonatal hospital charts. RESULTS: There were 2743 live births during the study period. Opioid exposure occurred in 672 pregnancies (335 OAT, 337 illicit). The incidence of prenatal opioid exposure increased significantly between 2009 and 2012 (11.1% to 28.5%, p < 0.001) but remained relatively constant at around 30% thereafter. Despite this, absolute rates of NAS remained relatively stable, with an average of 22.2 cases per 1000 live births over the study period. In comparison, the North West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) experienced an average of 52.8 cases of NAS per 1000 live births in 2009-2012. The incidence of NAS in our centre decreased significantly over the study period (17.6% of opioid-exposed pregnancies in 2009 v. 4.0% in 2015, p = 0.001). There was a gradual transition toward a preponderance of OAT- versus illicit-exposed pregnancies, increasing from 0% in 2009 to 76.9% in 2015 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Despite our continually increasing rates of opioid exposure in pregnancy, rates of NAS decreased annually and were substantially lower than those of our regional LHIN. In contrast to 2009, most opioid exposure in our region is now iatrogenic as a result of OAT. These improvements may be attributable in part to the rural community-based prenatal and addictions services developed in our catchment area.

INTRODUCTION: La consommation d'opioïdes pendant la grossesse est à la hausse dans le monde entier. Dans le nord-ouest de l'Ontario, le taux de syndrome de sevrage néonatal est alarmant. Nous avons tenté de documenter les taux croissants d'exposition aux opioïdes pendant la grossesse et les cas associés de syndrome de sevrage néonatal sur une période de sept ans dans le nord-ouest de l'Ontario. METHODS: Nous avons mené une étude rétrospective des dossiers des patientes du programme obstétrical de la région desservie par le Centre de santé Meno Ya Win de Sioux Lookout (population de 29 000), dans le nord-ouest de l'Ontario, et des naissances vivantes de la dyade mère­nourrisson pour la période du 1er janvier 2009 au 31 décembre 2015. Des soins maternels, néonataux et de traitement de la toxicomanie sont offerts aux patientes en obstétrique du Centre de santé dans le cadre d'un programme de soins intégrés pendant la grossesse. Nous avons obtenu des données sur l'exposition prénatale aux opioïdes due à la consommation d'opioïdes illégaux et aux traitements par agonistes opioïdes dans les antécédents des patientes, l'historique des médicaments prescrits et les rapports de toxicologie des dépistages urinaires. Le taux de syndrome de sevrage néonatal (diagnostiqué selon un score de Finnegan > 7) a été obtenu et consigné de manière rétrospective à partir des dossiers néonataux d'hôpitaux. RESULTS: Il y a eu 2743 naissances vivantes pendant la période de l'étude et 672 grossesses exposées aux opioïdes (335 aux traitements par agonistes opioïdes, 337 aux opioïdes illégaux). L'incidence de l'exposition prénatale aux opioïdes a augmenté de façon importante entre 2009 et 2012 (11,1 % à 28,5 %, p < 0,001), mais est ensuite demeurée relativement constante à environ 30 % par la suite. Malgré cela, le taux absolu de syndrome de sevrage néonatal est demeuré relativement stable, soit une moyenne de 22,2 cas par 1000 naissances vivantes pendant la période de l'étude. Par comparaison, le Réseau local d'intégration des services de santé (RLISS) du Nord-Ouest a enregistré une moyenne de 52,8 cas de syndrome de sevrage néonatal par 1000 naissances vivantes entre 2009 et 2012. L'incidence du syndrome de sevrage néonatal dans notre centre a diminué considérablement au cours de la période de l'étude (17,6 % de grossesses exposées aux opioïdes en 2009 contre 4 % en 2015, p = 0,001). Nous avons observé une transition graduelle vers la prépondérance des grossesses exposées aux traitements par agonistes opioïdes par rapport aux grossesses exposées aux opioïdes illégaux. Leur taux est passé de 0 % en 2009 à 76,9 % en 2015 (p < 0,001). CONCLUSION: Malgré la croissance continue de l'exposition aux opioïdes pendant la grossesse, notre taux de syndrome de sevrage néonatal a diminué annuellement et était nettement inférieur au taux du RLISS de la région. Par comparaison à 2009, la plupart des cas d'exposition aux opioïdes dans notre région sont maintenant d'origine iatrogène et liés aux traitements par agonistes opioïdes. Ces améliorations pourraient s'expliquer en partie par la création de services communautaires de soins prénataux et de traitement de la toxicomanie en régions rurales dans notre circonscription hospitalière.

Epidemiologic features of invasive group A Streptococcus infection in a rural hospital: 6-year retrospective report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: High rates of invasive group A Streptococcus disease were suspected by clinicians in northwestern Ontario. Patients with sepsis were being encountered with bacteremia positive for group A Streptococcus. This study was designed to assess the incidence of invasive group A Streptococcus infection in the region and provide best-practice treatment information. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review at the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) from 2009 to 2014 to examine rates of infection due to invasive group A Streptococcus and outcomes. All blood cultures from 2015 were also examined to calculate the relative rates of distinct pathogens responsible for cases of bacteremia. A literature review on this topic was performed, with attention to rural incidence where available and clinical practice guidelines. RESULTS: Invasive group A Streptococcus disease was diagnosed in 65 patients during the study period. Most (37 [57%]) had bacteremia without a clinical focus. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was a comorbid condition in 27 (42%) and skin conditions in 30 (46%). The case fatality rate was 4.6%. In 2015, group A Streptococcus accounted for 8% of all positive blood cultures from in- and outpatients in the catchment area. The calculated annual incidence rate of invasive group A Streptococcus infection was 37.2 cases per 100 000 population. CONCLUSION: Rural physicians may encounter group A Streptococcus bacteremia in their practice. The death rate associated with these infections can be as high as 20%, and patients require urgent treatment, typically with intravenous penicillin and clindamycin therapy. The rate of invasive group A Streptococcus infection in the predominantly First Nations population served by the SLMHC exceeded the Canadian rate eightfold and is comparable to rates observed in low-income countries and among Indigenous populations in Australia. This disparity may result from inadequate housing, overcrowding or limited access to clean water.

INTRODUCTION: Des cliniciens soupçonnaient des taux élevés d'infections invasives à streptocoque du groupe A dans le Nord-Ouest de l'Ontario. Les patients infectés présentaient une bactériémie positive pour les streptocoques du groupe A. Notre étude visait à évaluer l'incidence des infections invasives à streptocoque du groupe A dans la région et à offrir des renseignements sur les meilleures pratiques de traitement. METHODS: Nous avons mené une étude rétrospective des dossiers de patients du Centre de santé Meno Ya Win de Sioux Lookout (SLMHC) entre 2009 et 2014 afin d'étudier les taux d'infections invasives à streptocoque du groupe A et les résultats. Nous avons également examiné toutes les hémocultures effectuées en 2015 afin de déterminer les taux relatifs de pathogènes distincts responsables des cas de bactériémie. Nous avons procédé à une analyse documentaire sur le sujet, en portant attention à l'incidence en milieu rural lorsque les données étaient disponibles ainsi qu'aux guides de pratique clinique. RESULTS: Soixante-cinq patients ont reçu un diagnostic d'infection invasive à streptocoque du groupe A pendant la période à l'étude. La plupart d'entre eux (37 [57 %]) présentait une bactériémie sans manifestation clinique. Vingt-sept (42 %) patients présentaient également un diabète de type 2 et 30 (46 %) patients présentaient des affections cutanées. Le taux de mortalité clinique était de 4,6 %. En 2015, les infections à streptocoque du groupe A comptaient pour 8 % de la totalité des hémocultures positives provenant des patients hospitalisés et des patients externes dans la région à l'étude. On a calculé un taux d'incidence annuel d'infections invasives à streptocoque du groupe A de 37,2 cas par 100 000 personnes. CONCLUSION: Les médecins en milieu rural peuvent rencontrer des cas de bactériémie à streptocoque du groupe A dans le cadre de leur pratique. Le taux de mortalité associé à ces infections peut atteindre 20 %. Les patients ont besoin d'un traitement urgent, reposant généralement sur l'administration de pénicilline et de clindamycine par voie intraveineuse. Le taux d'infections invasives à streptocoque du groupe A dans la population majoritairement autochtone desservie par le SLMHC était 8 fois plus élevé que le taux observé dans la population canadienne et est comparable aux taux observés dans les pays à faible revenu et chez les populations aborigènes d'Australie. Cette disparité pourrait être attribuable au logement inadéquat, au surpeuplement ou à l'accès limité à de l'eau potable.

Defining "high-frequency" emergency department use: Does one size fit all for urban and rural areas?

OBJECTIVE: To suggest a functional definition for identification of "high-frequency" emergency department (ED) users in rural areas. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of secondary data. SETTING: Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre in northwestern Ontario. PARTICIPANTS: All ED visitors (N = 7121) in 2014 (N = 17 911 visits) in one rural hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The number of patients and visits identified using different definitions of high-frequency use. RESULTS: By using the most common definition of high-frequency use (≥ 4 annual visits) for our hospital data, we identified 16.7% of ED patients. Using 6 or more annual visits as the definition, we identified 7.9% of ED patients; these patients accounted for 31.3% of the ED visit workload. Using the definition of 6 or more identifies less than 10% of the patients, which is a similar result to using the lower visit standard (≥ 4) in urban centres. CONCLUSION: We suggest that the definition for high-frequency visitors to a rural ED should be 6 or more annual visits. Other useful subsets might include very high-frequency users (12 to 19 annual visits) and super users (≥ 20 annual visits).

High Incidence of Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infections in Remote Indigenous Communities in Northwestern Ontario, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, indigenous populations appear to be at increased risk for invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections. Although there is empirical evidence that the burden of iGAS disease is significant among remote First Nations communities in Northwestern Ontario, Canada, the epidemiology of iGAS infections in the area remains poorly characterized. METHODS: Individuals that met case definition for iGAS disease and whose laboratory specimens were processed by Meno Ya Win Health Centre in Sioux Lookout, Canada or who were reported to Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Canada were identified for the period 2009 to 2014. Case demographics, clinical severity, comorbidities, and risk factors were collected through chart review. Strain typing and antibiotic susceptibility were determined when possible. Basic descriptive statistics were calculated. RESULTS: Sixty-five cases of iGAS disease were identified, for an annualized incidence of 56.2 per 100 000. Primary bacteremia was present in 26.2% of cases, and cellulitis was identified in 55.4% of cases. The most common comorbidities identified were diabetes (38.5%) and skin conditions (38.5%). Prevalent risk factors included alcohol dependence (25%). Fourteen different emm types were identified among 42 isolates, with the most common being emm114 (17.4%), emm11 (15.2%), and emm118 (13.0%). Resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin was found in 24.6% of isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Rural and remote First Nations communities in Northwestern Ontario experience iGAS infections at a rate 10 times the provincial and national average. Compared with other North American series, a lower proportion of isolates causing infection were of emm types included in candidate GAS vaccines.

A 5 year retrospective study of emergency department use in Northwest Ontario: a measure of mental health and addictions needs.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to understand the five-year trend in total emergency department (ED) visits, frequency of use, and diagnoses and disposition of patients. Since the region has experienced a profound increase in opioid use disorder since 2009, we were particularly interested in changes in the volume of mental health and addiction (MHA) ED presentations. METHODS: Retrospective aggregate data analysis of ED visits to the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre 2010-2014. RESULTS: ED visit volume increased 29% over the five-year study period, while MHA ED visits increased 73%. The admission rate remained stable at 6.9% of ED visits. Five-year trends in clinically grouped diagnostic categories identified respiratory, MHA, and abdominal/pelvic complaints as the three most common ED presentations. In 2014, MHA presentations accounted for 10.3% of ED visits, 8.7% of admissions, and 20.0% of inter-hospital transfers. CONCLUSION: The dramatic increase in MHA ED visits mirrors the opioid epidemic the region is experiencing. MHA may soon become the commonest ED presentation. If reasons for ED visits serve as a proxy for unmet outpatient needs, increased efforts at developing community MHA services and addressing the related social determinants of health are required.

Interlaminar epidural steroid injections for low back pain in rural Ontario.

INTRODUCTION: We sought to document the efficacy of interlaminar epidural steroid injections (ESIs) for the relief of low back pain in a rural population. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational cohort study with brief follow-up telephone interviews at 1, 3 and 6 months after interlaminar ESI. RESULTS: A total of 47 ESIs were administered to the 24 participants. In an intention-to-treat analysis, pain relief was achieved in 78.7%, 55.3% and 27.7% of participants at 1, 3 and 6 months. CONCLUSION: Interlaminar ESIs, without fluoroscopic guidance, were effective for up to 3 months of symptom relief.

INTRODUCTION: Nous avons cherché à déterminer l'efficacité des infiltrations épidurales interlaminaires de stéroïdes pour réduire la lombalgie chez une population rurale. METHODS: Pour ce faire, nous avons mené une étude de cohorte observationnelle prospective au moyen de brèves entrevues téléphoniques de suivi après 1, 3 et 6 mois. RESULTS: Au total, 47 infiltrations épidurales ont été administrées à 24 participants. Dans le cadre d'une analyse par intention de traiter, 78,7 %, 55,3 % et 27,7 % des participants ont rapporté un soulagement de la douleur à 1, 3 et 6 mois, respectivement. CONCLUSION: Les infiltrations épidurales interlaminaires sans guidage fluoroscopique peuvent procurer un soulagement des symptômes pendant jusqu'à 3 mois.