Certified Dialysis Nurse Practice Test

Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) have a heightened risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) primarily due to the accumulation of amyloid deposits in the body. In ESRD, the kidneys are unable to effectively filter waste products, leading to the buildup of substances like beta-2-microglobulin. This can result in the formation of amyloid deposits, which may accumulate in various tissues, including those surrounding the wrist and median nerve. As these deposits build up, they can cause swelling and pressure in the carpal tunnel, where the median nerve passes, resulting in the symptoms associated with CTS.

While other factors such as diabetes do contribute to nerve-related conditions and vitamin D deficiency may have its own health implications, they are not the primary mechanisms linking ESRD to an increased risk of CTS. The specific impact of amyloidosis in the context of renal failure marks it as the defining reason for this increased risk in ESRD patients.