The Comparing 40 mg Rosuvastatin and Placebo on Nerve Conduction Velocity in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Patients: A Study at Booali Sina Hospital, Qazvin

Abstract

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common peripheral nerve disorders in the world, occurring in 4% to 5% of the general population. Conservative treatments, including medications, splinting, corticosteroid injections, or physical therapy, are pragmatic choices for CTS. Statins, endowed with neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities, have been suggested as a potential treatment for neuropathies. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the effects of rosuvastatin for symptomatic relief and to improve the electrodiagnostic parameters in patients with CTS. Methods: In the present double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, 67 mild to moderate CTS patients, referred to the Booali Sina Hospital Electromyography Clinic in Qazvin, were assessed. Patients were randomized to the intervention group (rosuvastatin 40 mg/daily, n = 32) or to the placebo group (n = 35). Electrodiagnostic and clinical parameters were measured at baseline and 3 months after the treatment. The data were processed using the SPSS statistical software. Results: The mean age in the intervention group was 52.47 ± 10.63 years, and 42.74 ± 9.66 years in the control group. Most participants were female (87.5% in the intervention group vs. 85.7% in the control group). After 3 months, EMG/nerve conduction velocity (NCV) parameters, AST, and LDL levels significantly improved in the rosuvastatin group (all P < 0.05; except right median sensory peak latency). Conclusions: The results imply that a statin like rosuvastatin could promote neurological recovery in patients with CTS, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory and protective effects. This treatment, which is non-invasive, might decrease the demand for invasive treatments such as surgery, thus minimizing the burden of surgical complications and possibly increasing the quality of life for the patients.