Emine YILDIRIM USLU, Muhammed Fuad USLU
Rheumatology Quarterly - 2026;4(1):1-8
This study aimed to compare demographic, biochemical, and electrophysiological parameters between patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and healthy individuals, and to evaluate the potential roles of these parameters in the disease's pathophysiology. The study included 62 healthy controls and 408 patients with CTS (128 unilateral and 280 bilateral). Demographic characteristics, biochemical parameters (including vitamin D, hemoglobin, ferritin, and other routine biochemical tests), and electromyography (EMG) findings were assessed. Levels of vitamin D, hemoglobin, and ferritin were significantly reduced in patients with CTS, compared with healthy controls (all p<0.01). No significant differences were detected in the remaining biochemical parameters. Electrophysiological evaluation demonstrated that disease severity was more pronounced in bilateral CTS cases than in unilateral cases. It has been demonstrated that not only anatomical and mechanical factors but also metabolic and hematological parameters may play a role in the development of CTS. In particular, incorporating the assessment of vitamin D, hemoglobin, and ferritin levels into routine evaluations may contribute to the early diagnosis and management of CTS.
