Is the interleukin-6 haplotype a prognostic factor for sciatica?
AIMS: We have shown in a cross-sectional setting that an IL6 haplotype (GGGA) is associated with intervertebral disc disease (IDD) characterized by sciatica. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic role of the GGGA haplotype in IDD. METHODS: DNA from 153 sciatica patients who participated in a randomized controlled trial of periradicular infiltration was analysed for IL6 variations rs1800797 (-596A>G), rs1800796 (-572G>C), rs1800795 (-174G>C), and rs13306435 (+15T>A). The patients recorded back and leg pain intensity and duration, disability by Oswestry Index and back-related sickness absence over a three-year follow-up. Repeated measures and univariate analysis of variance with adjustment for age, gender and physical work load were used in statistical analyses for the last two-years of the follow-up. RESULTS: The prevalence of the GGGA haplotype was 9% (14/153). Subjects with the GGGA haplotype did not differ from those without the haplotype with respect to pain intensity
