Association Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Abstract

Objective:  The most common entrapment of the upper limb neuropathy is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Deficiency of the vitamin may also affect the functioning of peripheral nerves, and it may serve as the etiology of CTS. This paper examined the relationship between serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and CTS, and how these two relate to the severity of the disease.

Materials & Methods:  A retrospective case-control study was done using 70 participants consisting of 35 CTS patients and 35 age and sex matched controls. Serum vitamin D was measured. The severity of CTS was measured with the help of clinical assessment, nerve conduction studies (NCS), and high-resolution ultrasonography. T-tests, chi-square, Pearson correlation, and multivariate logistic regression were all done using statistical analysis.

Results:  Mean serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower in CTS patients compared to controls (14.0 ± 5.8 vs. 23.2 ± 6.1 ng/mL; p < 0.001), and deficiency was more common among CTS (74.3 vs. 34.3; p = 0.001). A vitamin D deficiency was almost a five-fold risk factor of CTS (adjusted OR = 4.82; 95% 95% CI: 1.60–14.30;
p = 0.005). 

Conclusion:  Vitamin D deficiency is linked to CTS presence and severity considerably, and it is an independently associated factor. The evaluation of vitamin D, as well as electrophysiological and ultrasonographic studies, can help to improve diagnosis and risk, and determine possible therapeutic solutions.