Evaluation of Clemastine's Effects on Clinical and Electrodiagnostic Parameters in Individuals With Cts: A Preliminary Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Rct Publisher



Kazemi K ; Raissi G ; Ahadi T ; Madani SP ; Sajadi S ; Soleymanzadeh H ; Kariznoee N
Source: Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation Published:2025

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of clemastine in improving clinical and electrophysiological outcomes in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) when combined with standard splint therapy. Design: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with follow-up assessments at 1 and 3 months. Setting: A physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient clinic. Participants: Adult patients (N=27) (mean age=46.4y; sex ratio, 29.2% men and 70.8% women), enrolled with electrodiagnostically confirmed mild to moderate CTS, were randomized into clemastine (n=14) and placebo (n=13) groups. Interventions: The treatment group received 1 mg oral clemastine nightly plus a wrist splint, while the control group received a placebo plus an identical wrist splint, with both interventions maintained for 3 months. Main Outcome Measures: Primary endpoints included Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Symptom Severity (BQ-SS) and Functional Status (BQ-FS) scores, nerve conduction study parameters (median nerve sensory and motor distal latency), and ultrasonographic median nerve cross-sectional area. Results: The case group showed a significant difference in follow-up mean BQ-FS and BQ-SS scores (ANOVA, p<.01) at 1 month and 3 months compared with the control. No significant differences were found in the nerve conduction study or ultrasonographic cross-sectional area between groups. Conclusions: Clemastine, combined with wrist splinting, may provide further clinical benefits in patients with CTS, particularly in improving BQ-SS and BQ-FS outcomes. Further research is necessary to confirm these findings and explore appropriate dosing options. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.