P349 Assessment of prevalence and risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome in polio survivors

Objective Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a commonly reported nerve entrapment syndrome in patients with chronic physical disabilities. It causes disability independent of underlying disease. In this study, we aimed to identify prevalence and risk factors for CTS in polio survivors. Methods Based on clinical and electrophysiological findings, 46 patients with prior paralytic poliomyelitis were selected from patients referred to clinical neurophysiology laboratory. The CTS was classified according to the severity of nerve conduction (NC) changes. Demographic factors, medical history, crutch or cane use, post-polio syndrome,body mass index (BMI), wrist index and Barthel index were compared between the polio survivors with CTS (CTS group) and without CTS (non-CTS group). A logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate odds ratio of different risk factors. Results Prevalence of CTS confirmed by NC studies in polio survivors was 43.4% (20 patient). Eighteen (45%), 12 (30%) and 2 (%5) hands had mild, moderate and severe CTS, respectively. The age, BMI and wrist index were higher in the CTS group than in the non-CTS group ( p p p  = 0.02]. Discussion Our study confirms a high occurrence of CTS in polio survivors. Conclusions Body mass index may be associated with prevalent CTS in polio survivors. Significance Prevention of weight gain in polio survivors may reduce the risk of CTS.