Perineural Injection of Mecobalamin Versus Dextrose 5% Against Clinical Changes and Electrophysiological Features of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Patients at Dr. Mohammad Hoesin General Hospital, Palembang, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common compression neuropathy with symptoms of pain, tingling, and numbness in the hands. Perineural injections of steroids and mecobalamin have been shown to be effective in relieving CTS symptoms. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of the perineural injection of mecobalamin and 5% dextrose on clinical changes and electrophysiological features in CTS sufferers. Methods: This research is a pilot study open-label randomized controlled trial conducted at Dr. Mohammad Hoesin General Hospital Palembang. A total of 24 CTS patients were randomly divided into two groups: the mecobalamin group (n=12) and the 5% dextrose group (n=12). Patients in both groups received a single perineural injection. Results: In the mecobalamin group, there were significant improvements in pain scores (NPRS), Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire (BCTQ) - symptom severity scale (SSS) and functional status scale (FSS), as well as median nerve motor and sensory conduction after 2 weeks. In the 5% dextrose group, there were significant improvements in pain scores and BCTQ-SSS but not in BCTQ-FSS and nerve conduction. Comparison between groups showed significant differences in BCTQ-SSS and sensory conduction amplitude. Conclusion: Perineural injection of mecobalamin and 5% dextrose is effective in improving clinical symptoms of CTS. Mecobalamin showed better effects on BCTQ-SSS and sensory conduction amplitude than 5% dextrose.