[Carpal tunnel syndrome, a late complication in chronic hemodialysis]

145 patients on haemodialysis for 1 month to 16 years were examined for carpal tunnel syndrome. Typical signs and symptoms of the syndrome, mostly in both hands but more pronounced on one side, were seen in 21 patients (15%). In these cases carpal tunnel syndrome was frequently (19%) accompanied by Raynaud's phenomenon of the digits supplied by the median nerve. There was a significant correlation between the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome and the duration of dialysis. The association of carpal tunnel syndrome with analgesic nephropathy was significantly higher than with other kidney diseases. Immediate relief of pain was achieved after carpal tunnel release in eight patients (11 hands). Sensory and motor function was gradually, but often only partially, restored. Unoperated carpal tunnel syndrome progressed to loss of sensory and motor function within 1 to 4 years after onset of symptoms. Carpal tunnel syndrome should be considered an important late complication of chronic haemodialysis.