SEATTLE -- Women younger than age 50 undergoing release surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome had lower vitamin D levels than age-matched controls, although there was no similar association for older women, a Korean study found.
Among a group of 154 women whose mean age was 57 undergoing carpal tunnel release, vitamin D levels were similar to levels in 388 control women (20.6 ng/mL versus 20.8 ng/mL, P=0.801), according to Hyun Sik Gong, of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital.
Action Points
- Note that this study was published as an abstract and presented at a conference. These data and conclusions should be considered to be preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
However, among those younger than 50, vitamin D levels were significantly lower than age-matched controls (16.7 ng/mL versus 20.7 ng/mL, P=0.021), Gong reported in a poster session at the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research meeting.
"Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common compressive neuropathy in the upper extremity, and most commonly develops in postmenopausal women," Gong said.
Recent studies have identified a link between vitamin D and peripheral nerve disorders, and have suggested that the vitamin can improve myelination and recovery following injury to the nerves.
In addition, a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has been seen among patients with peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes, and pain relief has been seen in diabetic neuropathy with vitamin D supplementation.
Low levels of the vitamin also have been found in who experience neuropathy.
To examine the relationship between vitamin D levels and features of carpal tunnel syndrome, the researchers compared the levels and features such as patient age, symptom duration, and perceived disability among patients and controls.
Unlike the under 50 group, no differences in vitamin D levels were seen for women ages 50 to 59 (21.9 ng/mL versus 21.4 ng/mL, P=0.343) or those 60 and older (21.9 ng/mL versus 21.6 ng/mL, P=0.830).
The only other difference was in age at the onset of symptoms, with lower vitamin D levels correlating with earlier age for the development of carpal tunnel syndrome (r=0.159, P=0.048).
Additional studies will be needed to clarify the potential role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of carpal tunnel syndrome, and to explain the age difference seen in this study, the researchers concluded.
Disclosures
Gong disclosed no relevant relationships with industry.
Primary Source
American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Gong H, et al "Evaluation of vitamin D levels in women with carpal tunnel syndrome" ASBMR 2015; Abstract SA0176.