Diabetes as a risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

• Published in: Diabetic medicine 2016-01, Vol.33 (1), p.10-16
• Main Authors: Pourmemari, M. H., Shiri, R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carpal tunnel syndrome; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - complications; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - epidemiology; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - surgery; Decompression, Surgical; Diabetes; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 - complications; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - complications; Diabetic Neuropathies - epidemiology; Diabetic Neuropathies - surgery; Ergonomics; Humans; Meta-analysis; Risk Factors
• ISSN: 0742-3071; 1464-5491
• DOI: 10.1111/dme.12855

Aims To assess whether diabetes increases the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome and to estimate the magnitude of the association with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Methods We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and ResearchGate for articles published between 1950 and January 2015. A total of 36 studies (eight cross‐sectional, 21 case–control and seven cohort studies) qualified for meta‐analysis. We used a random‐effects meta‐analysis and assessed heterogeneity and publication bias. Results The pooled odds ratio of 25 studies (including a total of 92 564 individuals) that reported unadjusted estimates for the association between diabetes and carpal tunnel syndrome or carpal tunnel release was 1.97 (95% CI 1.56–2.49). The pooled odds ratio of 18 case–control or cohort studies consisting of >37 million individuals that reported estimates after controlling for potential confounders was 1.69 (95% CI 1.45–1.96). The association did not differ for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, there was no publication bias. Conclusion This meta‐analysis suggests that both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome.