The carpal tunnel syndrome in chronic dialysis patients, it is a late complication of the arterio-venous fistula?

Abstract

Out of 100 patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis in Lausanne (Switzerland), 12 developed a carpal tunnel syndrome (i.e. 8 men and 4 women, from 34 to 76 years old). Out of 66 patients with an arteriovenous fistula for less than 4 years, it is interesting to note that only 3 carpal tunnel syndrome were observed; whereas, out of 34 hemodialysis patients being dialyzed more than 4 years, 9 of them showed that syndrome. The symptomatology of the carpal tunnel syndrome is described by the authors. It has always been confirmed by EMG. On 10 patients, the symptoms were so acute that they needed a decompression of the median nerve. Five cases were bilateral. The operation is performed under axillary block, without tourniquet. The results were very satisfactory. Paresthesias disappeared after a few hours or a few days following the operation. No relationship could be established between CTS and the type of nephropathy, severity of polyneuropathy, Ca and P metabolism, vascular access complications, efficacity of dialysis, fluid overload or medical treatment. The authors are investigating the etiology of the carpal tunnel syndrome, ship hypothesize particularly concerning the direct or remote relation between the carpal tunnel syndrome and the arteriovenous fistula.