This observational study aims to evaluate serum Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) levels in patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome compared with asymptomatic controls. The study will also assess the associations between serum GDF-15 levels and clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of carpal tunnel syndrome.
This is a single-center observational study including patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome and asymptomatic controls. Serum GDF-15 levels will be evaluated and their associations with clinical and electrophysiological characteristics will be assessed.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
60
Serum Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) Concentration
Serum Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) concentration will be quantitatively measured from serum samples using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). GDF-15 concentration will be reported in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL).
Time frame: At baseline
Correlation Between Serum GDF-15 Concentration and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Symptom Severity Scale Score
The correlation between serum Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) concentration, measured in pg/mL using ELISA, and symptom severity will be assessed using the Symptom Severity Scale of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ). The Symptom Severity Scale consists of 11 items scored from 1 to 5, with a final score ranging from 1 to 5. Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.
Time frame: At baseline
Correlation Between Serum GDF-15 Concentration and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Functional Status Scale Score
The correlation between serum Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) concentration, measured in pg/mL using ELISA, and functional status will be assessed using the Functional Status Scale of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ). The Functional Status Scale consists of 8 items scored from 1 to 5, with a final score ranging from 1 to 5. Higher scores indicate greater functional impairment.
Time frame: At baseline
Correlation of Serum GDF-15 With Hand Grip Strength
Correlation between serum GDF-15 (pg/mL) and hand grip strength measured in kilograms (kg) using a Jamar hand dynamometer.
Time frame: At baseline
Serum GDF-15 Concentration According to Electrophysiological Severity of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Serum GDF-15 concentration (pg/mL) will be compared among mild, moderate, and severe carpal tunnel syndrome groups classified by nerve conduction studies.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: At baseline
Correlation of Serum GDF-15 With Pain Severity
Correlation between serum GDF-15 concentration (pg/mL) and pain severity assessed using a 0-10 Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain. Higher scores indicate greater pain severity.
Time frame: At baseline
Correlation of Serum GDF-15 With Numbness Severity
Correlation between serum GDF-15 concentration (pg/mL) and numbness severity assessed using a 0-10 Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where 0 indicates no numbness and 10 indicates the worst imaginable numbness. Higher scores indicate greater numbness severity.
Time frame: At baseline