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IS RDW A PREDICTIVE PARAMETER FOR CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME PATIENTS REQUIRING SURGERY?

ABSTRACT

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate whether haemogram parameters are predictive factors for both the severity of the disease and a decision in favor of surgical treatment in patients with an established diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS).

Methods:

The medical files of patients with a diagnosis of CuTS who were followed-up conservatively (n=92) or surgically treated (n=92) were retrospectively screened and the haemogram parameters were recorded.

Results:

The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed an area of 0.665 under the curve, with 76.3% sensitivity and 84.8% specificity at the cut-off of a red cell distribution width (RDW) level grater than 15.45%. RDW levels higher than 15.5%, electromyography (EMG) severity, and a clinical score higher than three were found to be independently associated with surgery.

Conclusion:

An elevated RDW value was related to the severity of the electromyogram. RDW may, therefore, be a useful independent predictor for the decision to surgical treatment of CuTS. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Study.

Keywords:
Cubital tunnel syndrome/diagnosis; Cubital tunnel syndrome/etiology; Cubital tunnel syndrome/surgery; Cubital tunnel syndrome/blood

INTRODUCTION

Peripheral entrapment neuropathy (PET) frequently occurs as the result of chronic irrigation of the nerve or compression of the nerve through its passage within the soft tissue and/or channels.11. Qing C, Zhang J, Wu S, Ling Z, Wang S, Li H, et al. Clinical classification and treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. Exp Ther Med. 2014;8(5):1365-70.,22. Assmus H, Antoniadis G, Bischoff C. Carpal and cubital tunnel and other, rarer nerve compression syndromes. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2015;112(1-2):14-25. Cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) encompasses all signs and symptoms caused by the chronic impingement of the ulnar nerve at the level of the elbow. The chronic impingement develops following chronic inflammation on ulnar nerve.33. Bolster MA, Zophel OT, van den Heuvel ER, Ruettermann M. Cubital tunnel syndrome: a comparison of an endoscopic technique with a minimal invasive open technique. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2014;39(6):621-5.

4. Soltani AM, Best MJ, Francis CS, Allan BJ, Panthaki ZJ. Trends in the surgical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome: an analysis of the national survey of ambulatory surgery database. J Hand Surg Am. 2013;38(8):1551-6.

5. Svernlov B, Larsson M, Rehn K, Adolfsson L. Conservative treatment of the cubital tunnel syndrome. J Hand Surg Eur Vol . 2009;34(2):201-7.

6. Akyuz M, Yalcin E, Selcuk B, Onder B, Ozcakar L. Electromyography and ultrasonography in the diagnosis of a rare double-crush ulnar nerve injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2011;92(11):1914-6.

7. Fikry T, Saidi H, Madhar M, Latifi M, Essadki B. [Cubital tunnel syndrome and heterotopic ossification. Eight case reports]. Chir Main. 2004;23(2):109-13.
-88. Hirata H. [Carpal tunnel syndrome & cubital tunnel syndrome]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku. 2007;47(11):761-5. There are four regions of the elbow where the ulnar nerve can suffer compression: first, the retroepicondylar groove (which accounts for the vast majority of cases), second, the humeroulnar arcade (which accounts for 25% of cases), third, the medial intermuscular septum, and finally, the point of exit from the flexor carpi ulnaris.99. Landau ME, Campbell WW. Clinical features and electrodiagnosis of ulnar neuropathies. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2013;24(1):49-66.,1010. Karatas A, Apaydin N, Uz A, Tubbs R, Loukas M, Gezen F. Regional anatomic structures of the elbow that may potentially compress the ulnar nerve. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2009;18(4):627-31. CuTS ranks second among PETs after carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).33. Bolster MA, Zophel OT, van den Heuvel ER, Ruettermann M. Cubital tunnel syndrome: a comparison of an endoscopic technique with a minimal invasive open technique. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2014;39(6):621-5.

4. Soltani AM, Best MJ, Francis CS, Allan BJ, Panthaki ZJ. Trends in the surgical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome: an analysis of the national survey of ambulatory surgery database. J Hand Surg Am. 2013;38(8):1551-6.

5. Svernlov B, Larsson M, Rehn K, Adolfsson L. Conservative treatment of the cubital tunnel syndrome. J Hand Surg Eur Vol . 2009;34(2):201-7.
-66. Akyuz M, Yalcin E, Selcuk B, Onder B, Ozcakar L. Electromyography and ultrasonography in the diagnosis of a rare double-crush ulnar nerve injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2011;92(11):1914-6. It frequently presents an idiopathic etiology. However, among the secondary etiologies, cubitus valgus, osteoarthritis, subluxation of the ulnar nerve, stenosis caused by fractures, and facial adhesions around the elbow joint have all been pointed to as possible causes.22. Assmus H, Antoniadis G, Bischoff C. Carpal and cubital tunnel and other, rarer nerve compression syndromes. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2015;112(1-2):14-25.,44. Soltani AM, Best MJ, Francis CS, Allan BJ, Panthaki ZJ. Trends in the surgical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome: an analysis of the national survey of ambulatory surgery database. J Hand Surg Am. 2013;38(8):1551-6. The incidence of CuTS has been estimated at 25 cases per 100,000 person-years, and the disease is almost twice as common in males as in females.4 The parameters used in the decision-making process for either medical or surgical treatment of patients diagnosed with CuTS include the clinical history, a physical examination, electrodiagnostic studies, and radiological imaging.22. Assmus H, Antoniadis G, Bischoff C. Carpal and cubital tunnel and other, rarer nerve compression syndromes. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2015;112(1-2):14-25.,55. Svernlov B, Larsson M, Rehn K, Adolfsson L. Conservative treatment of the cubital tunnel syndrome. J Hand Surg Eur Vol . 2009;34(2):201-7. However, the specific hematological parameters used in the decision-making process have not been reported to date.22. Assmus H, Antoniadis G, Bischoff C. Carpal and cubital tunnel and other, rarer nerve compression syndromes. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2015;112(1-2):14-25.

3. Bolster MA, Zophel OT, van den Heuvel ER, Ruettermann M. Cubital tunnel syndrome: a comparison of an endoscopic technique with a minimal invasive open technique. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2014;39(6):621-5.
-44. Soltani AM, Best MJ, Francis CS, Allan BJ, Panthaki ZJ. Trends in the surgical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome: an analysis of the national survey of ambulatory surgery database. J Hand Surg Am. 2013;38(8):1551-6.,1111. Shi Q, MacDermid JC, Santaguida PL, Kyu HH. Predictors of surgical outcomes following anterior transposition of ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome: a systematic review. J Hand Surg Am . 2011;36(12):1996-2001 e1-6. Previous studies have clearly shown that some hematological parameters have been used as predictive markers for a decision to operate in other diseases.1212. Kahramanca S, Kaya O, Ozgehan G, Guzel H, Azili C, Gokce E, et al. Are Fibrinogen and Complete Blood Count Parameters Predictive in Incarcerated Abdominal Hernia Repair? International Surgery. 2014;99(6):723-28.

13. Manning BT, Sankaranarayanan S, Hassanzadeh H, Nandyala SV, Marquez-Lara A, Naqvi A, et al. The utility of obtaining routine hematological laboratory values following an anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2014;39(20):E1228-32.
-1414. Yazici P, Demir U, Bozdag E, Bozkurt E, Isil G, Bostanci O, et al. What is the effect of treatment modality on red blood cell distribution width in patients with acute cholecystitis? Ulus Cerrahi Derg. 2015;31(1):1-4.

The red cell distribution width (RDW), reported on all standard haemograms, is an automated measure of the variation in red blood cell (RBC) size or volume. Values are expressed as percentages, with a normal reference range of 11.5 to 14.5%. An elevated RDW indicates a greater variability in the size of the circulating RBCs (anisocytosis) and can occur in patients with nutritional deficiencies, haemoglobinopathies, and haemolysis.1515. Hassan S, Antonelli M, Ballou S. Red cell distribution width: a measure of cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients? Clin Rheumatol. 2015;34(6):1053-7. In addition, RDW is associated with cardiovascular disease,1515. Hassan S, Antonelli M, Ballou S. Red cell distribution width: a measure of cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients? Clin Rheumatol. 2015;34(6):1053-7.

16. Katlandur H, Özdil H, Özbek K, Keser A, Ulucan Ş, Kuzgun A. The Red Cell Distribution Width is Strong Predictor for the in-Hospital Mortality of the CABG Patients. Acta Med Anatol. 2016;4(2):68-72.

17. Aung N, Dworakowski R, Byrne J, Alcock E, Deshpande R, Rajagopal K, et al. Progressive rise in red cell distribution width is associated with poor outcome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Heart. 2013;99(17):1261-66.

18. Bonaque JC, Pascual-Figal DA, Manzano-Fernandez S, Gonzalez-Canovas C, Vidal A, Munoz-Esparza C, et al. Red Blood Cell Distribution Width Adds Prognostic Value for Outpatients With Chronic Heart Failure. Revista Espanola De Cardiologia. 2012;65(7):606-12.

19. Zorlu A, Yücel H, Kaya H, Korkmaz Ö, Yildirimli K. Red cell distribution width (RDW) and increased risk of recurrent acute coronary syndrome. Acta Med Anatol . 2015;3(2):39-46.
-2020. Yücel H, Zorlu A, Kaya H, Gunes H, Yıldırımlı K, Uslu AU, et al. Red cell distribution width predicts length of stay in patients with acutely decompensated heart failure. Eur J Health Sci. 2015;1(1):1-8. acute cholecystitis,1414. Yazici P, Demir U, Bozdag E, Bozkurt E, Isil G, Bostanci O, et al. What is the effect of treatment modality on red blood cell distribution width in patients with acute cholecystitis? Ulus Cerrahi Derg. 2015;31(1):1-4. acute stroke,2121. Kara H, Degirmenci S, Bayir A, Ak A, Akinci M, Dogru A, et al. Red cell distribution width and neurological scoring systems in acute stroke patients. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2015;11:733-9. celiac disease,2222. Balaban DV, Popp A, Lungu AM, Costache RS, Anca IA, Jinga M. Ratio of spleen diameter to red blood cell distribution width: a novel indicator for celiac disease. Medicine (Baltimore). 2015;94(15):e726. ankylosing spondylitis (AS),2323. Peng YF, Zhang Q, Cao L, Liu Y, Chen D, Sun YK, et al. Red blood cell distribution width: a potential maker estimating disease activity of ankylosing spondylitis. Int J Clin Exp Med. 2014;7(12):5289-95. and mortality in patients with hip fractures treated with a partial prosthesis.2424. Zehir S, Sipahioglu S, Ozdemir G, Sahin E, Yar U, Akgul T. Red cell distribution width and mortality in patients with hip fracture treated with partial prosthesis. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc. 2014;48(2):141-6. RDW as inflammation marker is associated with many diseases and chronic inflammation condition. The literature, however, does not show any relationship between orthopaedic conditions, PET, and RDW.

In the present study, EMG and clinical assessment have been considered the best surgical decision making parameters for CuTS patients. We hypothesized that RDW as inflammation marker may be used as a predictive marker for the decision to operate in CuTS patients related to the severity of the electromyogram. For that reason, we aimed to investigate whether haemogram parameters are indeed predictive factors for the severity of the disease and also make an alternative decision of surgical treatment in patients with an established diagnosis of CuTS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The medical files of patients with a diagnosis of CuTS who were either followed-up conservatively or who underwent surgery between July 2008 and April 2015 were screened retrospectively. The study was approved by the Local Hospital Management Committee. Additionally all patients approved the consent form. The diagnosis was based on the patient's history and a clinical examination; i.e. a positive Tinel's sign, sensory loss in the area innervated by the ulnar nerve, pain over the medial epicondyle, weakness of the muscles innervated by the ulnar nerve, and a positive elbow flexion test. Secondary conditions, which would lead to ulnar nerve involvement, were not detected in any participant. The presence of bone pathology (if any) was evaluated using anteroposterior and lateral elbow radiograms.

Conservative methods (i.e. modification of activity, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and night splints) were tried preoperatively in all patients for at least 6 months. However, some patients were considered for surgery because of the presence of clinically progressive symptoms, sensorimotor deficits, lack of clinical and electroneurographic improvements and a worsening of the objective findings at follow-up controls performed several weeks after the initial visit. Besides, the patients were considered lack of motor function for surgical decision making process.

Patients were excluded from the study if they had inflammatory disorders, an acute infection, had taken local or systemic steroids, had been morbidly obese, were diagnosed with any secondary CuTS pathology, had been diagnosed with cancer, were currently receiving radiotherapy or chemotherapy, had been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder, had a neurological disease, or had been diagnosed with any cervical pathology.

Patients were asked to complete the 'disability of arm shoulder and hand' (DASH) score. The electromyogram (EMG) measurements of all patients, which included sensory and motor nerve conduction velocity measurements, were evaluated retrospectively.11. Qing C, Zhang J, Wu S, Ling Z, Wang S, Li H, et al. Clinical classification and treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. Exp Ther Med. 2014;8(5):1365-70.

Haemogram parameters, such as white blood cell count (WBC), haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Htc), mean platelet volume (MPV), neutrophils (NEU), lymphocytes (LYM), platelets (PLT), NEU/LYM, PLT/LYM, and RDW values, which were measured simultaneously with the EMG examination, were recorded. Based on the results of previous studies, the patients' RDW values were divided into subgroups according to the RDW quartiles.1818. Bonaque JC, Pascual-Figal DA, Manzano-Fernandez S, Gonzalez-Canovas C, Vidal A, Munoz-Esparza C, et al. Red Blood Cell Distribution Width Adds Prognostic Value for Outpatients With Chronic Heart Failure. Revista Espanola De Cardiologia. 2012;65(7):606-12.

Statistical Analysis

The data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software, version 15 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). The data are shown as means ± standard deviation for continuous variables, medians (minimum-maximum) for ordinal variables, and frequencies with a percentage for categorical variables. Comparisons between groups were performed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with post hoc analysis by Tukey's honest significant difference (HSD) test, and a t-test plus the Kruskal-Wallis tests or a Mann-Whitney U test for the independent samples for normally and abnormally distributed data, respectively. The categorical variables were analyzed using a chi-squared test. Correlation was evaluated by the Spearman's correlation test. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to identify the optimal cut-off point of RDW (when the sensitivity and specificity would be maximal) at which to predict the decision for surgery in CuTS patients. Areas under the curve (AUC) values were calculated as measures of the accuracy of the tests. We compared the AUCs using the Z test. We used univariate logistic regression analysis to quantify the association of variables with the decision to operate in CuTS. Variables that were found to be statistically significant in the univariate analysis and other potential confounders were used in a multiple logistic regression model with the forward stepwise method to identify independent prognostic factors of the decision to operate in CuTS. A p-value <0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.

RESULTS

In the present study, the medical files of 825 patients who underwent EMG examinations between July 2008 and April 2015 were evaluated retrospectively. The patients either underwent surgery (n=124) or were followed-up conservatively. The algorithm and planning criteria of the study are shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1
The algorithm and planning criteria of the study.

The medical files of the patients who met our study criteria and were either followed-up conservatively (n=92) or operated on (n=92) were examined retrospectively. In those patients who were examined, a positive Tinel's sign, sensory loss in the area innervated by the ulnar nerve, pain over the medial epicondyle, weakness of the muscles innervated by the ulnar nerve, and a positive elbow flexion test were found to be more prevalent in the surgery group. In addition, a statistically significant difference was detected between the DASH scores of the groups (p<0.001). In the conservative group, low (n=77; 83.7%), and moderate (n=15; 16.3%) EMG intensities were detected, while in the operative group, moderate (n=69; 76.1%), and severe (n=22; 23.9%) intensities were found, and a statistically significant intergroup difference was determined (p=0.00). In all patients a statistically significantly positive correlation was detected between the DASH score and the EMG intensity (r=0.911, p<0.001). (Table 1)

Table 1
The patient demographics and clinical data of both groups.

Amongst the haemogram parameters examined, only the RDW values were found to be higher in the surgery group. RDW, whose value as an indicator of high risk has been demonstrated in previous studies, was, based on two cut-off values, evaluated to be >15.5 and ≤15.5. In the conservative group its predictive values were 65.2% (n=60) and 34.8% (n=32) when cut-off values of ≤15.5 and >15.5 were taken into consideration. However, in the surgery group the predictive values of RDW were found to be 48.9 % (n=45) and 51.1% (n=47) at cut-off values of ≤15.5 and 15.5, respectively, with a statistically significant intergroup difference (p=0.026). (Table 2)

Table 2
The patient haemogram results of both groups.

In the correlation analysis of patients who were conservatively and surgically treated, we detected a positive correlation between the intensity of EMG, RDW, and RDW-Q in the surgery group alone (RDW; r=0.633, p=0.00) (RDW-Q; r=0.784, p=0.00). Again, and only in the surgery group, a statistically significantly positive correlation was detected between the DASH score and RDW (r=0.160, p=0.030). ROC curve analysis revealed a 0.665 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.523-0.686, p=0.014] area under the curve, 76.3% sensitivity and 84.8% specificity at the cut-off of an RDW level >15.45%. (Figure 2)

Figure 2
ROC curve analysis of RDW.

In both the univariate logistic regression analyses and the multivariate regression analysis, RDW levels >15.5%, EMG severity, and a clinical score >3 were determined to be independently associated with a decision for surgery (odds ratio [OR] 1.751; 95% CI 1.298-2.684; p= 0.008; OR 1.965; 95% CI 1.205-3.098; p= 0.001, and OR 1.586; 95% CI 1.195-2.098; p=0.003; respectively).

DISCUSSION

Some physical examination findings-including a positive Tinel's sign, and some tests to measure sensory loss in the area innervated by the ulnar nerve, pain over the medial epicondyle, weakness of the muscles innervated by the ulnar nerve, and a positive elbow flexion test-were reported to be more severe in patients with a presumptive diagnosis of CuTS who were scheduled for surgery.22. Assmus H, Antoniadis G, Bischoff C. Carpal and cubital tunnel and other, rarer nerve compression syndromes. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2015;112(1-2):14-25.,44. Soltani AM, Best MJ, Francis CS, Allan BJ, Panthaki ZJ. Trends in the surgical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome: an analysis of the national survey of ambulatory surgery database. J Hand Surg Am. 2013;38(8):1551-6.,55. Svernlov B, Larsson M, Rehn K, Adolfsson L. Conservative treatment of the cubital tunnel syndrome. J Hand Surg Eur Vol . 2009;34(2):201-7. In the present study, these findings were determined to be more prominent in patients in the surgery group. In patients with a diagnosis of CuTS, the DASH scoring system is an important guiding tool in the determination of the daily functions of the patient. In addition, it has been recognized that DASH score is higher in CuTS patients requiring surgery, whilst it drops during the postoperative period.2525. Fitzgerald BT, Dao KD, Shin AY. Functional outcomes in young, active duty, military personnel after submuscular ulnar nerve transposition. J Hand Surg Am . 2004;29(4):619-24.

26. Kim KW, Lee HJ, Rhee SH, Baek GH. Minimal epicondylectomy improves neurologic deficits in moderate to severe cubital tunnel syndrome. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2012;470(5):1405-13.
-2727. Schnabl SM, Kisslinger F, Schramm A, Dragu A, Kneser U, Unglaub F, et al. Subjective outcome, neurophysiological investigations, postoperative complications and recurrence rate of partial medial epicondylectomy in cubital tunnel syndrome. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2011;131(8):1027-33. We also detected statistically significant higher DASH scores in patients who underwent surgery when compared with the conservatively treated group. As an objective diagnostic criterion, EMG is important for making a definitive diagnosis in patients with presumptive PET. Indeed, EMG aids in the determination of the level, severity, and type of nervous involvement.11. Qing C, Zhang J, Wu S, Ling Z, Wang S, Li H, et al. Clinical classification and treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. Exp Ther Med. 2014;8(5):1365-70.,66. Akyuz M, Yalcin E, Selcuk B, Onder B, Ozcakar L. Electromyography and ultrasonography in the diagnosis of a rare double-crush ulnar nerve injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2011;92(11):1914-6.,9 In the decision-making process for treatment alternatives in CuTS patients, the presence of a correlation has been reported between the clinical manifestations of the patient and the intensity of the EMG.11. Qing C, Zhang J, Wu S, Ling Z, Wang S, Li H, et al. Clinical classification and treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. Exp Ther Med. 2014;8(5):1365-70.,33. Bolster MA, Zophel OT, van den Heuvel ER, Ruettermann M. Cubital tunnel syndrome: a comparison of an endoscopic technique with a minimal invasive open technique. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2014;39(6):621-5.

4. Soltani AM, Best MJ, Francis CS, Allan BJ, Panthaki ZJ. Trends in the surgical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome: an analysis of the national survey of ambulatory surgery database. J Hand Surg Am. 2013;38(8):1551-6.
-55. Svernlov B, Larsson M, Rehn K, Adolfsson L. Conservative treatment of the cubital tunnel syndrome. J Hand Surg Eur Vol . 2009;34(2):201-7.,99. Landau ME, Campbell WW. Clinical features and electrodiagnosis of ulnar neuropathies. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2013;24(1):49-66.,1111. Shi Q, MacDermid JC, Santaguida PL, Kyu HH. Predictors of surgical outcomes following anterior transposition of ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome: a systematic review. J Hand Surg Am . 2011;36(12):1996-2001 e1-6. In patients diagnosed with CuTS, in cases where transmission of stimuli slows as demonstrated on the EMG, the treatment of CuTS has reportedly changed from a conservative approach to ulnar neurolysis, decompression, anterior transposition, and epicondylectomy.11. Qing C, Zhang J, Wu S, Ling Z, Wang S, Li H, et al. Clinical classification and treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. Exp Ther Med. 2014;8(5):1365-70.,55. Svernlov B, Larsson M, Rehn K, Adolfsson L. Conservative treatment of the cubital tunnel syndrome. J Hand Surg Eur Vol . 2009;34(2):201-7.,1111. Shi Q, MacDermid JC, Santaguida PL, Kyu HH. Predictors of surgical outcomes following anterior transposition of ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome: a systematic review. J Hand Surg Am . 2011;36(12):1996-2001 e1-6.,2525. Fitzgerald BT, Dao KD, Shin AY. Functional outcomes in young, active duty, military personnel after submuscular ulnar nerve transposition. J Hand Surg Am . 2004;29(4):619-24.,2626. Kim KW, Lee HJ, Rhee SH, Baek GH. Minimal epicondylectomy improves neurologic deficits in moderate to severe cubital tunnel syndrome. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2012;470(5):1405-13. In the present study, we also applied the decompression procedure in cases with a moderate intensity of EMG, and anterior transposition for those with a severe EMG intensity. In all cases for surgery a statistically significant positive correlation existed between the DASH score and the EMG intensity.

A specific haemogram predictor marker for the diagnosis of CuTS has not yet been reported. However, some haemogram parameters are known to have predictive values for various diseases, including some involving the musculoskeletal system.1515. Hassan S, Antonelli M, Ballou S. Red cell distribution width: a measure of cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients? Clin Rheumatol. 2015;34(6):1053-7.,1717. Aung N, Dworakowski R, Byrne J, Alcock E, Deshpande R, Rajagopal K, et al. Progressive rise in red cell distribution width is associated with poor outcome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Heart. 2013;99(17):1261-66.,2121. Kara H, Degirmenci S, Bayir A, Ak A, Akinci M, Dogru A, et al. Red cell distribution width and neurological scoring systems in acute stroke patients. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2015;11:733-9.

22. Balaban DV, Popp A, Lungu AM, Costache RS, Anca IA, Jinga M. Ratio of spleen diameter to red blood cell distribution width: a novel indicator for celiac disease. Medicine (Baltimore). 2015;94(15):e726.

23. Peng YF, Zhang Q, Cao L, Liu Y, Chen D, Sun YK, et al. Red blood cell distribution width: a potential maker estimating disease activity of ankylosing spondylitis. Int J Clin Exp Med. 2014;7(12):5289-95.
-2424. Zehir S, Sipahioglu S, Ozdemir G, Sahin E, Yar U, Akgul T. Red cell distribution width and mortality in patients with hip fracture treated with partial prosthesis. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc. 2014;48(2):141-6.,2828. Zhang W, Chen Q, Yuan Z, Liu J, Du Z, Tang F, et al. A routine biomarker-based risk prediction model for metabolic syndrome in urban Han Chinese population. BMC Public Health. 2015;15:64.

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31. Kisacik B, Tufan A, Kalyoncu U, Karadag O, Akdogan A, Ozturk MA, et al. Mean platelet volume (MPV) as an inflammatory marker in ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Joint Bone Spine. 2008;75(3):291-94.

32. Tutoğlu A, Boyacı A, Kocatürk Ö, Sarıkaya S, Kul M, Karakaş EY, et al. The relationship of carpal tunnel syndrome and mean platelet volume in geriatric patients. Gaziantep Med J. 2014;20:182-5.
-3333. Fu H, Qin B, Hu Z, Ma N, Yang M, Wei T, et al. Neutrophil- and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios are correlated with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Lab. 2015;61(3-4):269-73. Balbaloglu et al.2929. Balbaloglu O, Korkmaz M, Yolcu S, Karaaslan F, Beceren NG. Evaluation of mean platelet volume (MPV) levels in patients with synovitis associated with knee osteoarthritis. Platelets. 2014;25(2):81-5. reported increased MPV blood levels as a predictive marker for osteoarthritis. However, Li et al.3030. Li XS, Zhang JR, Meng SY, Li Y, Wang RT. Mean platelet volume is negatively associated with bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. J Bone Miner Metab. 2012;30(6):660-5. demonstrated that MPV was negatively associated with bone mineral density in postmenopausal females. Kisacik et al.3131. Kisacik B, Tufan A, Kalyoncu U, Karadag O, Akdogan A, Ozturk MA, et al. Mean platelet volume (MPV) as an inflammatory marker in ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Joint Bone Spine. 2008;75(3):291-94. indicated the blood MPV level to be an inflammatory parameter in patients with AS or rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Tutoglu et al.3232. Tutoğlu A, Boyacı A, Kocatürk Ö, Sarıkaya S, Kul M, Karakaş EY, et al. The relationship of carpal tunnel syndrome and mean platelet volume in geriatric patients. Gaziantep Med J. 2014;20:182-5. detected a correlation between the diagnosis of CTS and the MPV in the geriatric age group. Fu et al.3333. Fu H, Qin B, Hu Z, Ma N, Yang M, Wei T, et al. Neutrophil- and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios are correlated with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Lab. 2015;61(3-4):269-73. indicated that the NEU/LYM and PLT/LYM ratios were important predictors in the evaluation of disease activity in RA. Boyraz et al.3434. Boyraz I, Boyaci A, Koc B, Tutoglu A, Sarman H, Hilal O. The ratio Neutrophil/Lymphocyte and Platelet/Lymphocyte in patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis that are Treating with Anti-TNF. Acta Med Anatol . 2014;2(3):93-96. indicated that the NEU/LYM and PLT/LYM ratios were important evaluation of disease activity in RA treatment with anti-TNF agents. Besides, RDW show important predictors in the evaluation of other disease that is aortic valve implantation as a poor prognostic marker,1717. Aung N, Dworakowski R, Byrne J, Alcock E, Deshpande R, Rajagopal K, et al. Progressive rise in red cell distribution width is associated with poor outcome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Heart. 2013;99(17):1261-66. use as an indicator in coeliac disease.2222. Balaban DV, Popp A, Lungu AM, Costache RS, Anca IA, Jinga M. Ratio of spleen diameter to red blood cell distribution width: a novel indicator for celiac disease. Medicine (Baltimore). 2015;94(15):e726. RDW may be useful in predicting the severity and functional outcomes of a stroke in acute stroke patients who have had symptoms for <24 hours,2121. Kara H, Degirmenci S, Bayir A, Ak A, Akinci M, Dogru A, et al. Red cell distribution width and neurological scoring systems in acute stroke patients. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2015;11:733-9. and may also be a predictive tool in many other diseases, as is seen in RA patients who have one of the modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.1515. Hassan S, Antonelli M, Ballou S. Red cell distribution width: a measure of cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients? Clin Rheumatol. 2015;34(6):1053-7. In a study by Peng et al.2323. Peng YF, Zhang Q, Cao L, Liu Y, Chen D, Sun YK, et al. Red blood cell distribution width: a potential maker estimating disease activity of ankylosing spondylitis. Int J Clin Exp Med. 2014;7(12):5289-95. RDW was reported as a marker of disease activity in AS. Zehir et al.2424. Zehir S, Sipahioglu S, Ozdemir G, Sahin E, Yar U, Akgul T. Red cell distribution width and mortality in patients with hip fracture treated with partial prosthesis. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc. 2014;48(2):141-6. noted the role of RDW in predicting mortality in patients with hip fractures. Chronic compression may be due to prolonged pressure of the medial edge of the elbow on the ulnar nerve bed and the initial inflammatory reaction of the idiopathic CuTS.77. Fikry T, Saidi H, Madhar M, Latifi M, Essadki B. [Cubital tunnel syndrome and heterotopic ossification. Eight case reports]. Chir Main. 2004;23(2):109-13.,88. Hirata H. [Carpal tunnel syndrome & cubital tunnel syndrome]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku. 2007;47(11):761-5. In inflammatory conditions that develop following chronic compression, RDW is one of the haemogram parameters that can indicate the inflammatory process. We considered the above mentioned studies about RA, AS and other inflammatory disease as guidance for the present study and investigated whether any haemogram marker is a predictor in patients diagnosed with CuTS. We also detected statistically significantly higher RDW values in CuTS patients who received surgical treatment.

There were some limitations to our study. The number of patients enrolled in the study was small; therefore, our findings should not be generalized. Instead, they should be supported by further studies using a sufficient number of patients. The retrospective nature and one-centre design of this study were other limitations. In addition, vitamin B12 levels of blood were not screened with haemogram parameters. Because differential central and peripheral neuropathy syndromes was seen in the vitamin B12 deficit, this correlated with vitamin B12 deficit and axonal processes were not reflected by the present study, and design of this study were other limitations. Prospective future studies conducted using a multicentre approach, vitamin B12 levels and haemogram parameters are needed for more accurate results.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, EMG and clinical assessment have been considered the best surgical decision making parameters for CuTS patients. However, RDW which is one of the haemogram parameters that can indicate the inflammatory process is an important parameter in inflammatory conditions that develop following chronic nerve compression. Therefore, an elevated RDW value is related to the severity of the chronic nerve compression. RDW may be a useful independent predictor for a decision to operate in patients with CuTS.

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    Kisacik B, Tufan A, Kalyoncu U, Karadag O, Akdogan A, Ozturk MA, et al. Mean platelet volume (MPV) as an inflammatory marker in ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Joint Bone Spine. 2008;75(3):291-94.
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  • 2
    Work developed at Abant Izzet Baysal University, School of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Bolu, Turkey

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    Jul-Aug 2016

History

  • Received
    16 Nov 2015
  • Accepted
    23 Mar 2016
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