Carpal tunnel syndrome in dialysis patients: comparison between continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis populations

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has been reported with increased frequency in hemodialysis (HD) patients. A comparative study of patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) has not been previously reported. To delineate the significance of dialytic modality and access-related risk factors, this study investigated the incidence and patient characteristics of CTS in CAPD v HD populations. One hundred and fifty one patients (HD n = 90, CAPD n = 61) were evaluated by questionnaire, physical examination, and nerve conduction studies. Age, gender, renal diagnosis, access, diabetic history, and duration of dialysis were determined. Eight of 57 CAPD and 15/83 HD patients had CTS. chi 2 testing revealed no significant difference in incidence (P = 0.7). It is concluded that CTS occurs with similar incidence in CAPD and HD populations. Dialytic modality and access are not likely to be factors in the development of CTS. Rather, CTS is a metabolic complication of end-stage renal failure.