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What is the role of magnesium for skeletal muscle cramps? A Cochrane Review summary with commentary.Journal of Musculoskeletal & Neuronal... Mar 2021
Topics: Humans; Magnesium; Muscle Cramp; Muscle, Skeletal
PubMed: 33657750
DOI: No ID Found -
Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Sep 2022Although autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation are used to treat hematologic diseases, they are associated with high morbidity and mortality. The...
Although autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation are used to treat hematologic diseases, they are associated with high morbidity and mortality. The goal of this cross-sectional study was to describe the incidence, characteristics, severity and clinical correlates of neuropathy and muscle cramps, as self-reported by hematopoietic cell transplantation survivors. We included all respondents to a survey conducted July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021. Surveys were completed online or on-paper according to participants' preferences; they received one reminder if no survey was received 1 month after distribution. Statistics are primarily descriptive comparing subgroups of patients. Of 4641 potentially eligible patients, 1745 responded and are included in the analysis. Participants (615 [35%] autologous, 1130 [65%] allogeneic) were a median age of 64.1 years (interquartile range [IQR] 55.2-70.8) and surveyed at a median of 11 years (IQR 4-21) after their most recent transplantation. Neuropathy symptoms were reported by 65% of autologous recipients, 66% of allogeneic transplant recipients with current chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD), and 45% of allogeneic recipients who never developed chronic GVHD. Muscle cramps were reported by 56% of autologous recipients, and 52% of allogeneic recipients and were rated as "very painful" by nearly half of patients who experienced them. These results suggest that neuropathy symptoms and muscle cramps are much more prevalent among survivors after hematopoietic cell transplantation than previously recognized. Better approaches for prevention and treatment of these bothersome complications are needed.
Topics: Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Graft vs Host Disease; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Middle Aged; Muscle Cramp; Survivors; Transplantation, Homologous
PubMed: 35718343
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2022.06.009 -
Trials Oct 2022Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is an established therapy that has been widely used for many decades to improve circulation in the legs. However, studies... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
The effect of an 8-week treatment program using a novel foot neuromuscular electrical stimulator on physical function, leg pain, leg symptoms, and leg blood flow in community-dwelling older adults: a randomized sham-controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is an established therapy that has been widely used for many decades to improve circulation in the legs. However, studies using NMES devices in an elderly, ambulant, and otherwise apparently healthy population are lacking; this is despite the use of such devices being indicated for lower leg symptoms (such as aches, pain, and cramps) that are frequently seen in older individuals. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of non-invasive foot NMES (administered using Revitive Medic) on such symptoms compared to a sham in a 12-week period.
METHODS
This is a single-center, single (participant)-blind, parallel-group, randomized, placebo-controlled (sham group), interventional study. Participants will be randomized to 1 of 3 groups (1:1:1) with each study group receiving a different type of foot NMES: Revitive sham; Revitive Medic Program 1; or Revitive Program 2. Each participant will be instructed to self-administer the foot NMES device for 30 min twice daily for 8 weeks. During the study, all participants will continue with their normal life, activities, medications, and diet with no restrictions. Following the 8-week NMES treatment program participants will be assessed for Canadian Occupational Performance Measure performance (COPM-P) and satisfaction (COPM-S) scores, lower leg pain, lower leg symptoms (heaviness, tiredness, aching and cramps), and blood flow volume and intensity.
DISCUSSION
Revitive foot NMES has been proven to increase blood circulation in the legs during use, which may help to relieve symptoms such as pain, heaviness, cramps, and tiredness. When NMES is applied to the plantar surface of the feet it indirectly induces contraction of the calf muscle, activating the musculo-venous pump and thus improving circulation. This study aims to provide data informing on the applicability of foot NMES for the management of leg symptoms that are likely to be indicative of poor circulation in an elderly (> 65 years) community population.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ISRCTN10576209.
Topics: Aged; Canada; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Humans; Independent Living; Leg; Muscle Cramp; Pain
PubMed: 36242050
DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06828-2 -
California Medicine Mar 1960Foot and leg cramps are among the most frequent complaints presented by patients of both sexes, especially older persons. Similar cramping may occur in the thighs or in...
Foot and leg cramps are among the most frequent complaints presented by patients of both sexes, especially older persons. Similar cramping may occur in the thighs or in other skeletal muscles of the extremities and trunk. Foot and leg cramps usually occur after unusual exertion or during sleep. "Nocturnal leg cramps" may be of sufficient intensity to prevent sleep. "Pregnancy cramps" are particularly distressing. Effective treatment of foot and leg cramps requires an understanding of the etiology, pathophysiology and diagnostic techniques. Weight reduction and improved diet are essential. Among the useful supplementary medications are calcium lactate or gluconate, vitamin-mineral supplements, sympathetic blocking agents, vasodilators, ataraxics, muscle relaxants, quinine, hydrochloride, antihistamines, and nonmercurial diuretics. Improved foot care and correction of foot imbalance is usually required. Edema and venous insufficiency are improved by elastic support, by repeated foot elevation for massages, by manipulations and exercises and by the use of diuretics. There may be need for operations on the veins and for sclerotherapy. Patients with arterial insufficiency are often benefited by lumbar sympathetic blocks with long-acting anesthetics and intra-arterial injections with relaxants, vasodilators, thrombolytic enzymes and anticoagulants. Sympathectomy, angiography and reconstructive arterial operations are indicated in only a small proportion of patients with foot and leg cramps.
Topics: Disease; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Female; Foot; Humans; Injections, Intra-Arterial; Leg; Male; Muscle Cramp; Muscle, Skeletal; Pregnancy; Quinine; Sleep; Thigh; Treatment Outcome; Vasodilator Agents
PubMed: 13822692
DOI: No ID Found -
BMJ Clinical Evidence Mar 2009Involuntary, localised leg cramps are common and typically affect the calf muscles at night. (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Involuntary, localised leg cramps are common and typically affect the calf muscles at night.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of treatments for idiopathic leg cramps? What are the effects of treatments for leg cramps in pregnancy? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to September 2008 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically, please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
We found 12 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: analgesics, anti-epileptic drugs, calcium salts, compression hosiery, magnesium salts, multivitamin and mineral supplements, quinine alone or with theophylline, sodium chloride, and stretching exercises.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Clothing; Exercise; Humans; Leg; Muscle Cramp; United States Food and Drug Administration
PubMed: 19445755
DOI: No ID Found -
Ugeskrift For Laeger Mar 2023The spasmolytic agent baclofen is regarded as having a low dependence potential. This is a case report of a 46-year-old woman with an escalating use of baclofen to four...
The spasmolytic agent baclofen is regarded as having a low dependence potential. This is a case report of a 46-year-old woman with an escalating use of baclofen to four times the highest recommended dose. She was initially admitted to hospital due to decreased consciousness. Later, during tapering, she was readmitted unresponsive with myoclonus. Baclofen was discontinued abruptly during sedation with propofol and remifentanil infusion as well as midazolam in refract doses. Eight days later she was discharged without sequelae.
Topics: Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Hypnotics and Sedatives; Baclofen; Muscle Cramp; Propofol; Midazolam
PubMed: 36999288
DOI: No ID Found -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2015Muscle cramps can occur anywhere and for many reasons. Quinine has been used to treat cramps of all causes. However, controversy continues about its efficacy and safety.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Muscle cramps can occur anywhere and for many reasons. Quinine has been used to treat cramps of all causes. However, controversy continues about its efficacy and safety. This review was first published in 2010 and searches were updated in 2014.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the efficacy and safety of quinine-based agents in treating muscle cramps.
SEARCH METHODS
On 27 October 2014 we searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE and EMBASE. We searched reference lists of articles up to 2014. We also searched for ongoing trials in November 2014.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials of people of all ages with muscle cramps in any location and of any cause, treated with quinine or its derivatives.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Three review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. We contacted study authors for additional information. For comparisons including more than one trial, we assessed the quality of the evidence using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).
MAIN RESULTS
We identified 23 trials with a total of 1586 participants. Fifty-eight per cent of these participants were from five unpublished studies. Quinine was compared to placebo (20 trials, n = 1140), vitamin E (four trials, n = 543), a quinine-vitamin E combination (three trials, n = 510), a quinine-theophylline combination (one trial, n = 77), and xylocaine injections into the gastrocnemius muscle (one trial, n = 24). The most commonly used quinine dosage was 300 mg/day (range 200 to 500 mg). We found no new trials for inclusion when searches were updated in 2014.The risk of bias in the trials varied considerably. All 23 trials claimed to be randomised, but only a minority described randomisation and allocation concealment adequately.Compared to placebo, quinine significantly reduced cramp number over two weeks by 28%, cramp intensity by 10%, and cramp days by 20%. Cramp duration was not significantly affected.A significantly greater number of people suffered minor adverse events on quinine than placebo (risk difference (RD) 3%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0% to 6%), mainly gastrointestinal symptoms. Overdoses of quinine have been reported elsewhere to cause potentially fatal adverse effects, but in the included trials there was no significant difference in major adverse events compared with placebo (RD 0%, 95% CI -1% to 2%). One participant suffered from thrombocytopenia (0.12% risk) on quinine.A quinine-vitamin E combination, vitamin E alone, and xylocaine injections into gastrocnemius were not significantly different to quinine across all outcomes, including adverse effects. Based on a single trial comparison, quinine alone was significantly less effective than a quinine-theophylline combination but with no significant differences in adverse events.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is low quality evidence that quinine (200 mg to 500 mg daily) significantly reduces cramp number and cramp days and moderate quality evidence that quinine reduces cramp intensity. There is moderate quality evidence that with use up to 60 days, the incidence of serious adverse events is not significantly greater than for placebo in the identified trials, but because serious adverse events can be rarely fatal, in some countries prescription of quinine is severely restricted.Evidence from single trials suggests that theophylline combined with quinine improves cramps more than quinine alone, and the effects of xylocaine injections into gastrocnemius are not significantly different to quinine across all outcomes. Low or moderate quality evidence shows no significant difference between quinine and vitamin E or quinine and quinine-vitamin E mixture. Further research into these alternatives, as well other pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, is thus warranted.There is no evidence to judge optimal dosage or duration of quinine treatment. Further studies using different dosages and measurement of serum quinine levels will allow a therapeutic range to be defined for muscle cramp. Because serious adverse events are not common, large population studies are required to more accurately inform incidence. Longer lengths of follow-up in future trials will help determine the duration of action following cessation of quinine as well as long-term adverse events. The search for new therapies, pharmacological and nonpharmacological, should continue and further trials should compare vitamin E, quinine-vitamin E combination, and quinine-theophylline mixture with quinine.
Topics: Drug Therapy, Combination; Humans; Lidocaine; Muscle Cramp; Muscle Relaxants, Central; Quinine; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Theophylline; Vitamin E; Vitamins
PubMed: 25842375
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005044.pub3