Keywords: Diabetic Hand
Background:
Diabetic hand sydrome (DHS) is characterized by limitation of finger movement and sensibility. The estimated prevalence is 8 to 50% in type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and 20% in type 2 DM.
Its prevalence in portuguese diabetic population is unknown. It is believed that it increases with disease duration and the co-existence of diabetic neuropathy. It is theorised that its presence might predict other complications, so it might help identify patients who require closer follow-up. Optimized treatment could delay its development.
You can assess the presence of DH by testing the “prayer sign” and “table top sign”.
Aim of the study:
The primary aim is estimating the prevalence of DHS in the portuguese diabetic popopulation. The secondary aim is describing the population with DHS and correlating its presence with HbA1c levels.
Methodology:
Observational, transversal, descriptive study of a convenience sample, gathered from two patient lists in one primary care centre, observed in DM follow up.
The patients were given and signed a consent form to collect data related to: gender, age, presence of “prayer sign” or “table top” sign, HbA1c level, year of DM diagnosis, presence of retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy or diabetic foot, risc of developing diabetic foot and presence of other diagnosis that migh cause changes in hands.
Results:
We gathered a total of 141 valid forms, representing 45% of the studied population (314).
There was a prevalence of 37,6% of positive table top sign and 57,2% of positive prayer sign.
There was no correlation between the positivity of the clinical signs and the remainning data collected.
Conclusions:
Even though there was a high prevalence of positive clinical signs suggesting DHS, it was not possible to find a correlation with the remaining data.
The assessment of DHS could help with early detecting patients with higher risk of microvascular complications, but we need more data to confirm.
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