FREQUENCY OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC POLYNEUROPATHY

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Diabetic Polyneuropathy

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the frequency of carpal tunnel syndrome in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy.
Study Design: Cross sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medicine, Combined Military Hospital Peshawar, from Sep 2012 to Feb 2013 over a period of six months.
Material and Methods: In this study, one hundred and sixty five diagnosed patients of diabetic polyneuropathy presenting to medical OPD with complaints of paresthesia/numbness/pain in hands were recruited. All patients fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria. They underwent electrophysiological examination according to American Association of Electro Diagnostic Medicine to determine the frequency of carpal tunnel syndrome. Statistical analysis was done on SPSS 17.
Results: Out of 165 patients, 112 (68%) were females and 53 (32%) were males with the age ranging from 37–60 years (mean age and SD 51.55 ± 6.3). The frequency of CTS in our patients was 40% (66 patients). Thirty seven (56.1%) patients had right hand involvement and it was bilateral in 22 (33.3%) patients, of the 66 subjects with CTS, 48 (72.7%) were females. In patients who had CTS, mean duration of diabetes was longer as compared to the remainder (12.09 ± 7.4 years vs. 9.07 ± 5.0 years, p=0.002).
Conclusion: Carpal tunnel syndrome was common finding in diabetic patients. On the basis of our results, we recommend that a search for possible coexistent CTS in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy should always be made.