gms | German Medical Science

Objectives: Cold sensitivity is defined as abnormal sensation (pain, numbness, weakness, stiffness with or without discoloration) in the hand when exposed to cold. It is observed in several conditions and following hand trauma. It is associated with high levels of disability and poor health related quality of life. The literature focuses on post-traumatic cold sensitivity, reporting prevalence ranging from 38-83%. The prevalence of cold sensitivity in nerve compression syndromes has not been studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of cold sensitivity in patients with upper extremity nerve compression syndromes.

Method: This was a prospective observational study. Included were adult patients with a uni- or bilateral upper extremity nerve compression syndromes. Patients were excluded if they were unable to provide consent, could not complete the survey, had peripheral neuropathies not caused by compression or had previous trauma or surgery to the affected extremity. A self-report questionnaire based on the validated Cold Intolerance Symptom Severity (CISS) questionnaire was used. In addition, the following demographic data were collected: age, sex, diagnosis, hand dominance, side of compression syndrome and presence of co-morbidities (diabetes, smoking).

Results: 83 patients (78 carpal tunnel syndrome, 5 cubital tunnel syndrome) were recruited. The average age was 58,5 years (22-91 years), 58 subjects were female (69,9%), 25 male (30,1%). 45 patients (54,2%) complained of cold sensitivity. In these 45 patients, the mean CISS score was 49,1 (8-98). Cold sensitivity was rated as mild in 7 patients, moderate in 16, severe in 18 and extremely severe in 4 patients. In the overall cohort, 60,3% of the female patients had cold sensitivity with a mean score of 52,1 and 40% of the males were affected with a mean score of 38,7.

Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence of cold sensitivity in patients with upper extremity nerve compression syndromes was 54,2%. Women are more likely to suffer from cold induced symptoms and have more severe symptoms. Future studies will explore the impact of decompression surgery on cold sensitivity.