Study Status: Recruiting
Recruit Status: Recruiting
Study Type: Observational
Official Title: Verification and Progress of Cytokine Profiles for the Discrimination of Infectious and Non-infectious, Degenerative Diseases of the Spine
Brief Summary:
Spondylodiscitis is an infectious disease of the intervertebral discs and adjacent vertebral bodies, which often has a protracted progression. Diagnosis is frequently delayed because of the unspecific pathology and a lack of specific infection markers. However, an early diagnosis is fundamental to prevent long periods with symptoms including extensive back pain and progressive and destructive changes of the spine.
Cytokines can be helpful to extend the knowledge about diverse biological processes. Furthermore, they are a promising category of biomarkers that are already present in the early phases of developing diseases. Currently, little is known about the participation of cytokines in Spondylodiscitis. The aim of this study is to establish a non-invasive method to improve the diagnosis of spondylodiscitis. Therefore, blood and tissue samples will be analyzed at different time points for the concentration of specific cytokines to select potential marker cytokines via a Multiplex Assay. After successful identification of marker cytokines, verification of the results will be done by expression analysis of cytokine-producing cells.
The potential of such a diagnostic method lies in reducing medical costs and preventing extensive pain and structural changes of the spine.
Experimental research will be performed with the approval of the ethic committee of the medical faculty of the University of Cologne.