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The Relationship of vitamin B6 status to median nerve function and carpal tunnel syndrome among active industrial workers.

Franzblau A; Rock CL; Werner RA; Albers JW; Kelley MP; Johnston EC

J Occup Environ Med 1996 May; 38(5):485-491

https://doi.org/10.1097/00043764-199605000-00009

00235782

The relationship of vitamin-B6 status to median nerve function and carpal tunnel syndrome was examined in active industrial workers. In order to address potential weaknesses in previously reported studies, this study incorporated a large number of randomly selected subjects, standardized electrophysiologic assessment of nerve function, and multiple complementary measurements of vitamin-B6 status. The study group was composed of 125 randomly selected active workers (67% females) from two industrial facilities. The workers completed a self administered symptoms questionnaire and underwent electrodiagnostic testing of the median and ulnar sensory nerves. Vitamin-B6 status was evaluated using the erythrocyte glutamic-pyruvic-transaminase (EGPT) assay and quantification of plasma pyridoxal-5'-phosphate. Vitamin-B6 status was normal in most subjects; an abnormal EGPT index was found in only ten workers. Median mononeuropathy was detected in 31 participants. Vitamin-B6 status was not related to self reported symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome or electrophysiologically determined median or ulnar nerve function. The authors conclude that the findings do not support a relationship between carpal tunnel syndrome among active industrial workers and vitamin-B6 status; the routine prescription of vitamin-B6 to patients with carpal tunnel syndrome should therefore be reconsidered.

NIOSH Publication; NIOSH Grant; Grants other; Occupational medicine; Humans; Carpal tunnel syndrome; Cumulative trauma disorders; Vitamins; Nerve function; Dietary effects; Electrophysiological measurements; Musculoskeletal system disorders; Musculoskeletal system; Repetitive work; Cumulative trauma; Carpal tunnel syndrome; Hand injuries; Vitamins; Age factors; Ergonomics

Environmental & Indust Health the University of Michigan 1420 Washington Heights Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029

JOEMFM

19960501

Journal Article

610264

Grant

1996

Grant-Number-R01-OH-02941

5

1076-2752

Grants Other

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

MI

University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, Michigan