Risk factors of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Pregnancy

INTRODUCTION:  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is an entrapment of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel. CTS commonly occurs during pregnancy, and is associated with maternal age, excessive weight gain, increase in peripheral edema due to hormonal factors, and gestational metabolic changes. The aim of this study was to identify potential risk factors associated with CTS development during pregnancy.

METHODS:  This cross-sectional population-based study, including 203 pregnant and puerperal women , was conducted at the two maternity centers operating in Botucatu/SP, Brazil. Data collected included age, number of children, weight gain, complications such as hypertension (HP), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and cramps. Initial analyses univariate models of simple logistic regression using CTS development as the dichotomous response variable, and each of variables cited above as predicting variables. Later, a multiple conditional logistic regression model was adjusted using CTS development as the dichotomous categorical response variable, and the variables that produced OR estimates with p≤0.25 in the univariate model as predicting variables.

RESULTS:  Out of the 203 individuals interviewed, 81.8% (166) presented no CTS clinical symptom, but 18.2% (37) presented. The factors associated with CTS occurrence in pregnancy were gestational diabetes mellitus and maternal age, with OR (IC95%) of, respectively, 3.81 (1.52-9.58) and 1.09 (1.03-1.16).

CONCLUSIONS:  In this study, gestational diabetes and maternal age were the risk factors associated with CTS development during pregnancy.