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The carpal tunnel syndrome in hypertensive patients treated with beta-blockers
1Department of Medicine, Mubarak Al Kabeer Hospital, Kuwait.
Insights
Beta-blocker medications like propranolol and metoprolol may cause carpal tunnel syndrome in hypertensive patients. Stopping these drugs resolved symptoms, suggesting a drug-induced cause.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hypertension is a common condition often managed with beta-blockers.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent neurological disorder affecting the hand.
- Long-term beta-blocker use has been linked to various side effects.
Observation:
- Three hypertensive men (46-58 years) developed carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Patients were treated with beta-blockers (propranolol or metoprolol) for 8-11 years.
- Other known causes of carpal tunnel syndrome were ruled out.
Findings:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome resolved completely in all patients after discontinuing beta-blockers.
- Symptom resolution occurred within 8-10 weeks of drug withdrawal.
- No recurrence was observed during 7-18 months of follow-up.
Implications:
- Beta-blockers may induce carpal tunnel syndrome.
- This finding suggests a potential adverse drug reaction to consider in clinical practice.
- Further research into the mechanisms of drug-induced carpal tunnel syndrome is warranted.
Abstract:
We report the development of the carpal tunnel syndrome in 3 hypertensive men (aged 46-58) treated with beta-blockers (propranolol in two patients and metoprolol in the 3rd) for 8-11 years. Known causes of carpal tunnel syndrome were excluded in each case. Withdrawal of the beta-blocker was followed by complete resolution of symptoms and signs after a period of 8-10 weeks. No evidence of recurrence could be detected during follow-up of 7-18 months. The possible mechanisms of drug-induced carpal tunnel syndrome are briefly discussed.