A Study of the Prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Female Hypothyroid Patients Visiting Motahari Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinic in Shiraz in 2013

Abstract

"hypothyroidism is mainly considered as a risk factor for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). The aim of this study was determining the prevalence of CTS in female hypothyroid patients visiting Motahari Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinic. Method: 300 female patients with hypothyroidism were studied. Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (symptom, functional) was filled out for the patients. In the next step, 3 signs namely Phalen’s test, tinel’s test and compression test were explored. Finally, electro diagnostic testing was performed on the patients and, based on the results of the electro diagnostic testing, the patients were divided into four groups: normal, patients with severe CTS, patients with moderate CTS and patients with mild CTS. Patients with a history of hand trauma or hand or foot surgery, patients with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, neuropathy, and/or radiculopathy were all excluded from the study. The results were analyzed using SPSS 16 software. out of the 300 patients with hypothyroidism who underwent electromyography- nerve conduction velocity (EMG-NCV) testing, 160 patients had mild CTS and 20 patients had moderate CTS. 120 patients had normal EMG-NCV test results and Phlen’s, Tinel’s and compression tests of a significant percentage of these patients were found to be positive. the results of the study indicated that a significant percentage of the hypotheroid patients had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)."