Electrodiagnostic Testing Characteristics of Diabetic People with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Objective The present study aimed to correlate electroneuromyography (ENMG) findings in diabetic and nondiabetic subjects with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods In total, 154 patients were evaluated in a hand surgery outpatient clinic. All ENMG tests were bilaterally performed by a single neurologist. Qualitative variables were described for all patients with CTS according to their diabetic status, and the chi-squared test was used to reveal any association. A joint model was adjusted to determine the influence of diabetes on ENMG severity in CTS patients. Results The sample consisted of 117 women and 37 men, with an average age of 56.9 years old. Electroneuromyography demonstrated bilateral CTS in 82.5% of the patients. Diabetes was identified in 21.4% of the cases. Severe ENMG was prevalent. Conclusion There was no association between diabetes and ENMG severity in patients with CTS. Level of evidence IV, case series.