Please cite this article as: Klyne, D.M., Barbe, M.F., Hodges, P.W., Systemic inflammatory profiles and their relationships with demographic, behavioural and clinical features in acute low back pain, Brain, Behavior, and Immunity (2016), doi: http://dx.doi.org/10. 1016/j.bbi.2016.10.003 This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain. and control participants, and in a separate analysis, for those with "high-pain" (VAS≥4) and "low-pain" (VAS<4). The relationships between biomarkers and all other variables, including other cytokines/CRP were assessed. CRP was higher in LBP than controls and in those with high-than low-pain (p<0.01). IL-6 was higher in those with high-than low-pain (p<0.05), but not controls. Various pain and non-pain factors were associated with each biomarker differently. These findings suggest systemic CRP and IL-6 are important contributors to inflammation in the early post-onset phase of LBP and that various factors can shape these responses.3

This is the first evidence of a relationship between an "acute-phase" systemic inflammatory response and recovery at 6 months. High inflammation (CRP/IL-6) was associated with good recovery, but specific elevation of TNF, along with depressive symptoms, was associated with bad recovery. Depression and TNF may have a two-way relationship. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Sensory changes indicative of increased/decreased central processing of pain and nociceptive input presented differently between individuals with acute LBP and were related to factors such as sleep and alcohol. This may underlie variation in outcome and suggest potential for early identification of individuals with poor long-term outcome.