OASIS is a randomised, placebo controlled study which will investigate if oral glucocorticoids, compared to placebo:
- Reduce leg pain intensity
- Improve other outcomes eg disability, back pain
- Are safe and cost effective
200 adults with acute sciatica will be randomised to receive oral prednisolone, taken once a day for a maximum of 13 days.
Participants will be recruited on presentation to general practice or via telehealth. Follow up by OASIS team for one year.
Geographic location the project wishes to recruit from (State/Area)
Australia wide
Name of investigators
A/Prof Christine Lin, Prof Jane Latimer, Dr Christina Abdel Shaheed (Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney) Prof Andrew McLachlan (Sydney School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney) Mr Qiang Li (The George Institute for Global Health) Contact person Melissa Webb (melissa.webb@sydney.edu.au)
GP Investigator Dr Paul Schnitzler
Contact details:
Melissa Webb melissa.webb@sydney.edu.au
Website: www.OASIS-trial.com
Brief Description of participants/practices sought
All GPs can participate
Patient Inclusion
Adults with acute sciatica of at least moderate intensity; no more than 6 weeks since onset.
Patient Exclusion
Serious spinal pathology; contraindications to glucocorticoids or precautions to glucocorticoids where risks outweigh potential benefit. Used a systemic glucocorticoid (via any method of administration) since the start of this episode of sciatica; spinal surgery in the preceding 6 months; planned surgery or other interventional procedures during the treatment period, insufficient English or unavailability of suitable translation, females who are pregnant, breast feeding or planning conception
Time involvement of GPs and/or practice staff, and/or patients
GP role
Identify, screen and consent eligible patients with acute sciatica
Monitor patient condition, medication and adverse events during treatment. Be an active participant in evidence-based research and receive honorarium for study-related activities.
30 minute training (online or face to face) – GP reimbursed for time
Up to 30 min to recruit participant -GP reimbursed for time
Data collection and follow ups conducted by the OASIS team at the University.
Compensation offered
Participants will receive gift voucher/s of a value not greater than $60 in total as compensation for time involved in completing questionnaires. GPs will receive an honorarium commensurate to time spent on study related activities.