# Guiding significance of the autophagy intensity of lumbar intervertebral discs and the Charlson Comorbidity Index in predicting the postoperative curative effect of patients with single-level lumbar disc herniation

## TL;DR

This study investigates how autophagy levels in lumbar discs and a comorbidity index predict surgical outcomes for patients with disc herniation.

## Contribution

The study identifies the Charlson Comorbidity Index as an independent predictor of postoperative outcomes in lumbar disc herniation patients.

## Key findings

- Older age correlates with lower autophagy intensity and more severe disc degeneration.
- The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) is an independent risk factor for poor postoperative improvement.
- Patients with CCI ≥ 2 are more likely to have poor surgical outcomes.

## Abstract

To explore whether the autophagy intensity of lumbar intervertebral discs or Charlson Comorbidity Index(CCI) can predict the postoperative curative effect of single-level lumbar disc herniation(LDH) in patients. According to age stratification, five patients with single-level LDH who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital were included in each age group, and the autophagy level of the resected lumbar disc was detected by immunohistochemistry. A total of 30 patients were included and followed up for 2 years. According to the JOA improvement rate at the last follow-up, the patients were divided into two groups. According to age stratification, we found that there were significant differences in autophagy intensity and Pfirrmann classification; that is, with older age, the degree of lumbar disc degeneration was more serious and the autophagy intensity was lower. According to the JOA improvement rate, we found that there were significant differences in age, Autophagy intensity, Pfirrmann classification and CCI classification between different groups (P < 0.05). By binary logistic regression analysis, we found that only CCI classification was an independent risk factor for the difference in postoperative improvement in patients with single-level lumbar discectomy, and patients with a CCI ≥ 2 were more likely to have a poor postoperative improvement rate.