Prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Diabetic Patients with and without Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is defined as the impaction of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel of the wrist. Metabolic disorders are closely associated with CTS; and metabolic syndrome (MS) is found to be more in patients with CTS. Metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent in patients with type 2 diabetes. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of CTS in diabetic patients with and without metabolic syndrome. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 439 diabetic patients that participated in the study of risk factors for coronary artery disease in Kerman (KERCADRS) were enrolled. People with positive clinical symptoms for CTS and a positive Boston questionnaire, were referred to a neurologist for further diagnosis. For the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, three criteria (ATPIII, IDF and new criteria in Kerman) were used. Also, electro-diagnostic tests were used for the diagnosis of CTS. Data were analyzed by independent t-test and chi square test in SPSS20. Results: The prevalence of CTS in diabetic patients was 24.23%. The prevalence of the disorder in male and female patients was 16.21% and 30.65%, respectively. The results showed that there is no significant difference in the prevalence of CTS in diabetic people with and without metabolic syndrome, in overall as well as sex subgroups. Discussion and Conclusion: The higher prevalence of CTS in diabetic patients in this study compared to other studies shows the lack of prevention and case finding in diabetic patients. Therefore, screening, educating and informing at risk people about the disease is necessary