Serum GDF-15 in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Evaluation of the Association of Serum Growth Differentiation Factor-15 Levels With Clinical Findings and Electrophysiological Severity in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-65 years.
• Written informed consent.
• For the patient group: idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome confirmed by clinical and electrophysiological evaluation.
• For the control group: asymptomatic individuals without a previous diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome and without clinical signs of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diabetes mellitus.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory rheumatic diseases.
• Pregnancy.
• Cervical radiculopathy or polyneuropathy.
• Previous carpal tunnel or wrist surgery.
• History of wrist trauma or fracture.
• Corticosteroid injection into the carpal tunnel within the previous 3 months.
• Malignancy.
• Chronic kidney or liver disease.
• Active infection or autoimmune disease.
• Serious systemic conditions that may affect serum GDF-15 levels.