Use of Iontophoresis with Corticosteroid in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

• Published in: International journal of environmental research and public health 2023-02, Vol.20 (5), p.4287
• Main Authors: Martin-Vega, Francisco Javier, Vinolo-Gil, Maria Jesus, Gonzalez-Medina, Gloria, Rodríguez-Huguet, Manuel, Carmona-Barrientos, Inés, García-Muñoz, Cristina
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adrenal Cortex Hormones - therapeutic use; Analysis; Bias; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Citation indexes; Clinical trials; Corticosteroids; Hand Strength; Heterogeneity; Humans; Intervention; Iontophoresis; Latency; Mean; Median (statistics); Median nerve; Meta-analysis; Nerve conduction; Overuse injuries; Pain; Pain Measurement; Questionnaires; Sensitivity analysis; Sensory neurons; Software; Steroids; Systematic Review; Velocity
• ISSN: 1660-4601; 1661-7827; 1660-4601
• DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054287

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a neuropathy that affects the median nerve. The aim of this review is to synthesize the evidence and perform a meta-analysis on the effects of iontophoresis in people with carpal tunnel syndrome. The search was carried out using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINHAL Complete, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and SciELO. The methodological quality was evaluated using PEDro. A standardized or mean difference meta-analysis (Hedge's g) using a random-effects model was calculated. Seven randomized clinical trials using iontophoresis for electrophysiological, pain, and functional outcomes were included. The mean of PEDro was 7/10. No statistical differences were obtained for the median sensory nerve conduction velocity (SMD = -0.89; = 0.27) or latency (SMD = -0.04; = 0.81), motor nerve conduction velocity (SMD = -0.04; = 0.88) or latency (SMD = -0.01; = 0.78), pain intensity (MD = 0.34; = 0.59), handgrip strength (MD = -0.97; = 0.09), or pinch strength (SMD = -2.05; = 0.06). Iontophoresis only seemed to be superior in sensory amplitude (SMD = 0.53; = 0.01). Iontophoresis did not obtain an enhanced improvement compared to other interventions, but no clear recommendations could be made due to the limited number of included studies and the heterogeneity found in the assessment and intervention protocols. Further research is needed to draw sound conclusions.