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Biochemical evaluation of serum and flexor tenosynovium in carpal tunnel syndrome
Author(s) -
Freeland Alan E.,
Tucci Michelle A.,
Barbieri Rocco A.,
Angel Michael F.,
Nick Todd G.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
microsurgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.031
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1098-2752
pISSN - 0738-1085
DOI - 10.1002/micr.10065
Subject(s) - medicine , carpal tunnel syndrome , malondialdehyde , carpal tunnel , carpal tunnel release , edema , histopathology , anesthesia , surgery , gastroenterology , oxidative stress , pathology
In total, 41 consecutive patients with “idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome” and abnormal electrophysiologic findings who underwent carpal tunnel release were studied prospectively. The focus of this investigation was the evaluation of the levels of specific chemical mediators within the serum and flexor tenosynovium of these patients. Blood was collected from these patients within 1 week prior to carpal tunnel release, and flexor tenosynovium was obtained at time of surgery. Specimens were then analyzed to determine the levels of interleukins 1 and 6, prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ), and malondialdehyde bis diethyl acetal. These values were compared to those of controls who had no evidence of carpal tunnel syndrome. A significant increase was noted in the serum malondialdehyde and tenosynovial levels of malondialdehyde, interleukin 6, and prostaglandin PGE 2 compared to controls. The elevated levels of these biologic factors and the absence of interleukin 1 elevation support a noninflammatory ischemia‐reperfusion etiology for so‐called “idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome” that causes progressive edema and fibrosis of the tissues within the carpal canal. These findings correlate with previous histopathology reports. We believe that “idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome” is an “‐osis” not an “‐itis.” © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 22:378–385 2002