Local injection of dexamethasone for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the results of 4 mg of dexamethasone acetate injections for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy.


METHODS
Twenty-four pregnant volunteers who suffered from carpal tunnel syndrome occurring in the third trimester of their pregnancies were injected with 4 mg of dexamethasone acetate combined with 1% lidocaine into the carpal tunnels. The volunteers filled the Boston symptom severity questionnaire and were examined by Phalen's test, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, grip strength, and pinch strength before injection, one month after injection, and one month after delivery.


RESULTS
There was significant improvement of symptoms, grip strength and pinch strength of the injected hand compared with the opposite side at one month after injection (p < 0.01). However, after delivery, the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome improved on both the injected and opposite hands.


CONCLUSIONS
Carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy is generally resolved after delivery and, therefore, should be treated conservatively. The patient with severe symptoms can be treated with dexamethasone injection in the third trimester with good results.
Niempoog
Sunyarn
S
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Klong luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand. sunyarn@yahoo.com
Sanguanjit
Prakasit
P
Waitayawinyu
Thanapong
T
Angthong
Chayanin
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D003907:Dexamethasone