Evaluation of plasma beta-2-microglobulin level in hemodialysis patients with carpal tunnel syndrome

In dialysis patients, insufficient exertion of amyloid particles can cause beta-2-microglobulin (beta 2M) to deposit in periarticular structures and consequently complications like carpal tunnel syndrome. This study was conducted to evaluate the plasma beta 2M level in hemodialysis patients with carpal tunnel syndrome in Kashan. This cross-sectional study was performed on 60 hemodialysis patients, with more than 10 years history of hemodialysis with low flux membrane through an AV fistula, referred to dialysis center in Kashan. Samples of venous blood (5cc) were taken from each patient to measure the beta 2M level using the ELISA method. The carpal tunnel syndrome establishment was made through EMG/NCV under the supervision of a neurologist. The mean age of participants was 59.3±13.2 years. A total of 44 subjects (73.3%) had been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. There was a significant difference in plasma beta 2M level in hemodialysis patients with and without carpal tunnel syndrome (52.2±6.2 and 44.8±6.1, respectively; P=0.002). There is a significant relation between beta 2M level and the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome in hemodialysis patients. Thus, performing serial beta-2 microglobulin measurement is recommended in these patients.