The Effects of Vitamin D with and without Vitamin B6 in the Prevention of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Women Undergoing Breast Radiotherapy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: The concurrent administration of vitamin D and vitamin B6 may reduce inflammation and improve neurological function; however, the extent and mechanism of action of these vitamins in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy remain incompletely understood. Therefore, this study was conducted with aim to evaluate the effects of vitamin D with and without vitamin B6 to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome in women undergoing breast radiotherapy.
Methods: This randomized, controlled, single‑blind clinical trial was conducted between 2022–2023 on 120 women with breast cancer who were candidates for radiotherapy at Imam Reza and Shahid Madani Hospitals in Tabriz, Iran. Participants were randomly allocated to three groups: vitamin D alone, vitamin D plus vitamin B6, and a control group. Patients received the respective supplements for three months. At the end of each month, they were assessed for the development of carpal tunnel syndrome and pain severity. Data were analysed using SPSS software (version 25) and Cochran's Q test, Fisher's exact test, repeated‑measures ANOVA, one‑way ANOVA, and chi‑square test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The Phalen test, compression test, and pain intensity showed significantly better outcomes in the vitamin D±B6 group at all times compared to the other two groups. Furthermore, patients receiving vitamin D±B6 exhibited only mild symptoms of CTS, while the control group experienced moderate symptoms of CTS after three months of radiotherapy.
Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that the combined use of vitamin D and B6 significantly prevents the development of carpal tunnel syndrome in women undergoing breast radiotherapy.

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