Zahi Hamdan, Rita Abou Zeid, Pierre Abi Akl, Mira Merashli
{"title":"The Auditory Manifestations of Autoimmune Rheumatologic Diseases: A Review of Current Evidence.","authors":"Zahi Hamdan, Rita Abou Zeid, Pierre Abi Akl, Mira Merashli","doi":"10.2174/0115733971415872260122115355","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0115733971415872260122115355","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>It is becoming increasingly recognized that rheumatologic diseases and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) are linked. These autoimmune disorders can affect the auditory system through both disease-related immune dysregulation and medication-induced ototoxicity. The latest findings on auditory involvement in patients with autoimmune rheumatologic conditions are summarized in this review.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This narrative review was conducted using PubMed, focusing on articles published in English between 2010 and 2024. Clinical, experimental, and epidemiological studies describing hearing outcomes in autoimmune conditions were included. MeSH and keywords related to autoimmune diseases, SNHL, auditory dysfunction, and cochlear implantation were used.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Autoimmune-mediated SNHL results from immune complex deposition, vasculitis, antibody- mediated cytotoxicity, and inflammatory injury to cochlear structures. Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, primary Sjögren's syndrome, vasculitis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, IgG4-related disease, and Behçet's disease all demonstrate variable yet significant auditory involvement. Commonly used medications for these diseases, such as calcineurin inhibitors, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, and antimalarials, may also cause ototoxicity. Cochlear implantation offers effective rehabilitation for severe or refractory SNHL. However, autoimmune- related cochlear fibrosis or ossification may limit outcomes, highlighting the need for prompt diagnosis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Hearing is affected in patients with rheumatologic disease and those using immunosuppressants as treatment. Routine audiologic monitoring, early identification of auditory symptoms, and personalized therapeutic planning are essential. Further prospective research is needed to clarify the mechanisms and optimize treatment protocols for autoimmune-associated hearing loss.</p>","PeriodicalId":11188,"journal":{"name":"Current rheumatology reviews","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147493610","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Advances in Natural Bioactive Compounds as Multi-target Agents in Rheumatoid Arthritis.","authors":"Katta Sunand, Arpan Kumar Tripathi, Akhilesh Patel, Praveen Nasa, Shadab Ali, Shamim Shamim","doi":"10.2174/0115733971409871251206061614","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0115733971409871251206061614","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by persistent inflammation, synovial hyperplasia, and joint destruction. Despite advances in biologics and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, treatment challenges remain due to incomplete responses, adverse effects, and high costs. This has spurred interest in natural bioactive compounds as multi-target therapeutic agents.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive review of preclinical and clinical studies was conducted to evaluate the mechanisms of action, therapeutic potential, limitations, and formulation strategies of natural bioactive compounds for rheumatoid arthritis management.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Natural bioactive compounds derived from plant, marine, and microbial sources, including polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids, exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antiproliferative effects. They modulate key rheumatoid arthritis pathways, including NF-κB, JAK/STAT, MAPK, and Nrf2, while restoring immune balance through Th17/Treg regulation. Preclinical studies show efficacy in reducing cytokine storms, oxidative stress, and fibroblast-like synoviocyte proliferation. Clinical trials with curcumin, resveratrol, and boswellic acids demonstrated improvements in disease activity, pain, and inflammatory biomarkers. However, poor bioavailability and variability in extracts remain major limitations.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Emerging nanotechnology-based delivery systems have enhanced the stability and absorption of natural bioactive compounds. While natural bioactive compounds demonstrate lower toxicity and potential to complement conventional therapies, challenges persist regarding standardization, dosing, and reproducibility. Large-scale, well-designed trials are still needed to validate their clinical utility compared to biologics.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Current evidence suggests that natural bioactive compounds hold promise as safe, multi-target adjuncts that may complement existing Rheumatoid arthritis therapies and improve overall disease management, but further rigorous clinical validation is essential.</p>","PeriodicalId":11188,"journal":{"name":"Current rheumatology reviews","volume":" ","pages":"1-19"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147466486","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Virtual Screening Approaches Towards the Discovery of Toll-like Receptor 7 (TLR7) Antagonists for the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis During COVID Infection.","authors":"Thangavelu Prabha, Saravanan Thangavelu, Dakshinesh Parameswaran, Muthu Kumaradoss Kathiravan, Hemalatha Selvaraj, Motamarri Venkata Naga Lalitha Chaitanya, Sridhar Sri Bhuvaneswari, Jubie Selvaraj","doi":"10.2174/0115733971351438250220063238","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0115733971351438250220063238","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) patients prompt to have high level of TLR7, when coronavirus (CoV-2) infect to these patients, further the level of TLR7 cloud be upregulated and leads to severe condition of RA. Since, some TLR7 antagonists targeting the TLR7 protein are in the clinical trials, but yet to reach the market, and many lead to serious toxicities.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>So, we have framed a hypothesis to discover the TLR7 antagonist that may inhibit to the upregulation of TLR 7 in RA patients during the CoV-2 infection via virtual screening methodology.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Here we have focused to discover some novel TLR7 inhibitors from the ZINC database, which may effectively inhibit TLR7. Series of virtual screening analysis lead to the discovery of three active hits.</p><p><strong>Results and discussion: </strong>Among these three molecules, ZINC95412580 had a highest binding energy of -15.4273 kcal/mol against the TLR7 protein (PDB Id: 6LW1) that also showed the maximum interactions within the binding pocket. c Conclusion: Thus, the compounds discovered through the use of various software can possibly be used for the management of rheumatoid arthritis during and after COVID infection. Hence, we can conclude that these molecules might be served as the inhibitors of TLR7 upregulation.</p>","PeriodicalId":11188,"journal":{"name":"Current rheumatology reviews","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143996080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Bibliometric Analysis of Capillaroscopy Use in Systemic Sclerosis: Current State and Advances from 2000 to 2024.","authors":"Sevil Ceyhan Dogan, Mert Atas","doi":"10.2174/0115733971388040250815185341","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0115733971388040250815185341","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Systemic sclerosis is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by diverse clinical manifestations that vary among individuals. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the existing literature on the use of capillaroscopy in systemic sclerosis and to perform a bibliometric analysis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data were downloaded from Scopus on 2nd October 2024, and analyzed using VOSviewer and the Biblioshiny package programs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 819 articles from 246 sources were analyzed. Italy led in the number of publications (n=209) and the frequency of international cooperation. The article, titled \"Nailfold Videocapillaroscopy Assessment of Microvascular Damage in Systemic Sclerosis,\" published in The Journal of Rheumatology, has garnered 606 citations, making it the most cited article. Cutolo M. was the most influential author, with 1302 citations and 107 publications, while the University of Genova was the most prolific institution. The investigation identified significant issue clusters in the literature related to keywords, such as \"systemic sclerosis,\" \"Raynaud's phenomenon,\" \"capillaroscopy,\" and \"digital ulcers.\"</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This study presents the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis of capillaroscopy use in systemic sclerosis. The findings suggest that scientific interest in the subject is increasing and that research leadership is primarily located in European countries, with Italy at the forefront. The most frequently used keywords in the thematic analysis indicated that capillaroscopy can be used not only for diagnosis but also for monitoring complications. The use of only the Scopus database and the inclusion of only original articles in the study constitute limitations. This methodological choice was made to ensure data integrity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Understanding the research on capillaroscopy applications in systemic sclerosis can benefit rheumatologists and provide ideas for future investigations. This bibliometric analysis highlights key authors, citation patterns, collaboration structures, and emerging research issues over the past two decades, providing a comprehensive overview of the discipline.</p>","PeriodicalId":11188,"journal":{"name":"Current rheumatology reviews","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144946380","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Imad Uthman, Georges El Hasbani, Jamil Messayki, Said Attoui, Mustafa Al Izzi, Georges Merheb, Kamel Mroue, Adel Alawadhi, Iman Estaytieh
{"title":"Efficacy and Safety of Tocilizumab in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients in the Middle East: Real-world Data.","authors":"Imad Uthman, Georges El Hasbani, Jamil Messayki, Said Attoui, Mustafa Al Izzi, Georges Merheb, Kamel Mroue, Adel Alawadhi, Iman Estaytieh","doi":"10.2174/0115733971425270260324182036","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0115733971425270260324182036","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Data on Tocilizumab (TCZ) efficacy and safety among RA patients in the Middle East in clinical practice remains limited. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TCZ, as monotherapy or in combination with disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARDs), in patients with moderate to severe active RA.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A regional, multicenter, descriptive, and prospective study conducted among 62 adults with moderate to severe active RA (DAS-28 ≥3.2) initiating treatment with TCZ after inadequate response to ≥1 conventional DMARD. TCZ treatment was for 24 weeks with a follow-up period of 6 months after the last injection.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Clinical improvement, as measured by the DAS-28 score, was observed in 83.0% at Week 12 compared to 96.3% at Week 48. Low disease activity was achieved in 61.9% of patients at Week 12 and 81.50% at Week 48. Remission was reported in 42.9% at Week 12 compared to 55.6% at Week 48. During the 24-week treatment, 24/62 (38.7%) patients experienced 47 adverse events (AEs), infections being the most common, with 11 serious AEs.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Our results were similar to those reported from developed countries. The significant drop in mean DAS-28 score in RA patients treated with TCZ comes in line with data from the UAct- Early and CAMERA-II trials. No specific safety concern was reported with an AE rate of 42%, similar to another open-label phase-4 study done in the Middle East.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Short-course treatment with TCZ was effective and safe for patients with moderate to severe active RA with inadequate response to DMARDs.</p>","PeriodicalId":11188,"journal":{"name":"Current rheumatology reviews","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148197803","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Nanocarrier-Mediated Drug Delivery in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Treatment.","authors":"Shivani Pannu, Rahul Pal, Inderjeet Verma","doi":"10.2174/0115733971345399250529170645","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0115733971345399250529170645","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that leads to severe joint damage, persistent inflammation, and an increase in synovial tissue. While existing treatment modalities such as corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can alleviate symptoms, they frequently come with systemic side effects and do not always achieve satisfactory disease remission. Moreover, the broad distribution of these medications can result in off-target toxicity and inadequate drug levels at the affected joints. This study aims to explore the therapeutic capabilities of drug delivery systems (DDs) utilizing nanocarriers for RA management. The focus is on evaluating how these nanocarriers can facilitate targeted, efficient, and safer drug delivery by concentrating on inflamed joint tissues, minimizing systemic toxicity, and enhancing drug uptake at the disease site. This review analyzes various nanocarrier types, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), dendrimers, micelles, and hybrid systems. A review of over 100 original research articles on RA treatment was conducted, drawing from platforms such as Google Scholar, ResearchGate, official websites, and raw data. The application of nanocarriers in RA therapy has demonstrated considerable potential in enhancing the precision and effectiveness of drug delivery. By enabling higher concentrations of medication directly at the inflammation site, nanocarrier-mediated drug delivery systems can mitigate systemic side effects and improve therapeutic outcomes. These systems present a promising approach to overcoming the limitations of current RA treatments, offering more targeted, efficient, and safer therapeutic alternatives. Nonetheless, additional research and development are essential to fully harness the capabilities of nanocarrier systems in RA treatment and to refine their clinical implementation.</p>","PeriodicalId":11188,"journal":{"name":"Current rheumatology reviews","volume":" ","pages":"30-47"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144207977","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Integrative Rheumatology: A Holistic Approach to the Management of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.","authors":"Ailia Ali, Kichul Ko, Kimberly Trotter","doi":"10.2174/0115733971389117250807101431","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0115733971389117250807101431","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Integrative medicine, which combines complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with conventional treatments, is increasingly utilized by patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to manage their condition.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to review the CAM available for SLE patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Studies focusing on CAM interventions in patients diagnosed with SLE were identified via PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar through a systematic search conducted to identify relevant articles published up to May 2024.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The potential therapeutic roles of specific micronutrients (vitamins A, C, D, and E), macronutrients (omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics), and supplements (ginger, turmeric) were examined, detailing their mechanisms and emerging evidence supporting their use. Additionally, the roles of dietary changes and mind-body interventions were discussed.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite the absence of established guidelines for supplementation and other interventions, this review emphasizes the need for personalized approaches tailored to individual characteristics and comorbidities. Healthcare providers are encouraged to enhance their knowledge of these CAM modalities to optimize patient care and improve overall quality of life for SLE patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":11188,"journal":{"name":"Current rheumatology reviews","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144946313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hassan Zmerly, Ibrahim Akkawi, Damiano Alfio Ruinato, Manuela Moscato, Maurizio Draghetti, Francesco Pegreffi
{"title":"Uncommon Presentation of Giant Tophaceous Gout in the Hand: A Case Report.","authors":"Hassan Zmerly, Ibrahim Akkawi, Damiano Alfio Ruinato, Manuela Moscato, Maurizio Draghetti, Francesco Pegreffi","doi":"10.2174/0115733971374467250522093438","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0115733971374467250522093438","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Tophaceous gout masses are characterized by the accumulation of monosodium urate crystals in peripheral joints and soft tissues. The most commonly involved areas are the metatarsophalangeal and knee joints. Finger/hand localization is uncommon. If not correctly treated, a finger tophaceous mass can grow and, in rare cases, reach an abnormally large size, termed \"giant.\"</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of our study is to present a rare case of a large tophaceous mass of the hand, localized in the fourth finger, and to highlight the role of surgical excision combined with a multidisciplinary team approach.</p><p><strong>Case report: </strong>We present a rare case of an 82-year-old woman affected by giant tophaceous gout in the left hand, localized to the extensor region of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the fourth finger. Clinical evaluation, MRI, and ultrasound imaging showed a 35 x 30 mm nodule in the soft tissue. The lesion was successfully treated by mass excision and debridement of the extensor tendon. Histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of tophaceous gout. Post-operatively, a combination of medical and nutritional therapy was given. At a 3-year follow-up, the patient was free of symptoms with no evidence of disease in the fourth finger.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Management of giant tophaceous gout in hand necessitates extensive mass excision combined with pharmacological therapy, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle modifications. Effective treatment of such cases requires a multidisciplinary team approach to address the complexity of the condition comprehensively.</p>","PeriodicalId":11188,"journal":{"name":"Current rheumatology reviews","volume":" ","pages":"113-117"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13223452/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144141695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kaouther Maatallah, Maissa Abbes, Lobna Kharrat, Dorra Ben Nessib, Fatma Majdoub, Hanene Lassoued Ferjani, Dhia Kaffel, Wafa Hamdi
{"title":"Effectiveness of Biological Treatment on Hip Involvement in Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases.","authors":"Kaouther Maatallah, Maissa Abbes, Lobna Kharrat, Dorra Ben Nessib, Fatma Majdoub, Hanene Lassoued Ferjani, Dhia Kaffel, Wafa Hamdi","doi":"10.2174/0115733971396868251024105345","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0115733971396868251024105345","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hip involvement is a common presentation of chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases. It profoundly affects patients' functional status and quality of life, reflecting a more severe disease. As the hip joint disease progresses, it can lead to severe disability. Arthroplasty is the most effective option for relieving pain and restoring function. Over the last few years, there has been a notable decrease in hip joint replacements, driven by satisfactory outcomes achieved with conservative strategies. This review summarizes the current evidence regarding the effect of available biological treatments on hip involvement in inflammatory rheumatic diseases. A narrative review was conducted using the PubMed database to identify case reports, case series, and original articles published up to 2024. TNFα inhibitors are effective in relieving hip involvement symptoms, maintaining satisfactory hip function, and stabilizing radiographic hip damage in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Tocilizumab seems to stop and reduce hip radiographic damage in patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. IL-17/IL-23 axis inhibitors are effective in relieving hip pain in patients with spondyloarthritis, but their effect on hip structural damage remains unknown. Despite these promising findings, data regarding hip involvement remain scarce and limited to observational studies and case series.</p>","PeriodicalId":11188,"journal":{"name":"Current rheumatology reviews","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146017792","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Carpal Tunnel Decompression and Occupational Productivity: Assessing Post-Surgical Work Engagement and Absenteeism.","authors":"Noura Belhadj, Olfa Jomaa, Ines Ghnaya, Ines Rassas, Sirine Abdellatif, Asma Kheder, Taoufik Khalfallah, Aoutef Mahfoudh, Mohamed Younes","doi":"10.2174/0115733971376935251130214051","DOIUrl":"10.2174/0115733971376935251130214051","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) imposes significant occupational and economic burdens, yet data on postoperative work outcomes in Tunisia remain limited.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective cross-sectional study (2014-2022) analyzed 118 surgically managed CTS patients from Taher Sfar Mahdia University Hospital using the BCTQ-A (symptom/function severity) and WPAI-GH (work productivity) questionnaires.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Key predictors for surgical intervention included bilateral involvement (Adj. OR=22.0, 95%CI:5.5-33.4), thumb opposition loss (p<0.001), and occupational factors like >8h workdays (p=0.04) and >20 years' seniority (p=0.05). Postoperatively, 68.3% required workstation adjustments, while 19.5% underwent job transfers. The cohort demonstrated substantial productivity impairment, with 69.4% overall work productivity loss (WPAI-GH), disproportionately affecting older (>40 years, p=0.02) and less-educated workers (p=0.02). Notably, 84.4% of patients required 30-day medical leave, aligning with global benchmarks (23.4-day average). Multivariate analysis identified nocturnal pain (p<0.001) and difficulty with bottle-opening (p<0.001) as key drivers of productivity decline.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Operated CTS appears to have a more substantial impact on work quality, likely due to surgical complications and postoperative recovery challenges. This underscores the importance of early conservative management and preventive strategies. These findings highlight the need for early ergonomic interventions, particularly in high-risk sectors like garment manufacturing (81.7% of the cohort) and multidisciplinary prevention strategies combining workplace modifications, health education, and weight management.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>With CTS costing over $2B annually in the U.S. alone, proactive measures targeting long-tenured manual laborers are urgently needed to mitigate its socioeconomic impact.</p>","PeriodicalId":11188,"journal":{"name":"Current rheumatology reviews","volume":" ","pages":"e15733971376935"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147493656","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}