ИСТИНА

Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is usually diagnosed by its sensory and motor manifestations. Autonomic dysfunctions also performed in CTS. It can be used as another diagnostic tool.  Objective We aim to demonstrate the diagnostic opportunities of autonomic dysfunctions by the study of sympathetic skin response (SSR). Patients and Methods 47 patients (or 77 affected hands), 6 men and 41 women, from 37 to 88 years (mean age 62,83 ± 11,74 years), bilateral (30 patients) and unilateral (17 patients), with electromyographic evidence of CTS were recruited. 25 healthy gender- and age-matched individuals were recruited as controls. The SSR study (n. medianus, the palmar aspect) was conducted with electroneuromyograph "Neuro-MEP“. The results were processed in program Statistica 6.0 and Microsoft Excel. Results Autonomic disorders were clinically identified in 22 of 47 patients with CTS, mainly in the form of finger swelling (37,7%). SSR was registered in 100% cases. There were no significant statistical difference in any SSR parameter (n. medianus) between CTS patients and healthy individuals. A significant statistical difference (p = 0.03) was found only among the amplitude values of SSR first phase ​​between the subgroup of patients with clinical autonomic disorders and a subgroup of patients without them. Conclusion The amplitude values of SSR first phase can be used as a parameter for monitoring of CTS autonomic disorders in dynamics. The efficiency of SSR as a diagnostic method requires further study.