Muscle Cramps: A ‘Complication‘ of Cirrhosis
Muscle cramps are a common complaint in clinical practice. They are associated with various metabolic, endocrine, neurological and electrolyte abnormalities. A variety of hypotheses have been generated to explain the cause of muscle cramping, yet none has been able to support a consistent pathophysi...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2000-01-01
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| Series: | Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2000/214916 |
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| Summary: | Muscle cramps are a common complaint in clinical
practice. They are associated with various metabolic, endocrine,
neurological and electrolyte abnormalities. A variety of hypotheses
have been generated to explain the cause of muscle cramping,
yet none has been able to support a consistent pathophysiological
mechanism. Muscle cramps are painful, involuntary contractions
of skeletal muscle. They occur frequently in individuals with cirrhosis,
regardless of the etiology, and are thought to be a symptom
of cirrhotic-stage liver disease.
The pathophysiology of these cramps remains elusive; hence, a
specific therapy has not been identified. Many therapeutic approaches
have been offered, yet their efficacy, safety and mechanism
of action remain poorly defined. This review defines muscle
cramps and illuminates its prevalence in the cirrhotic individual.
Current theories relating to the pathogenesis of muscle cramps are
reviewed, and an overview of the various pharmacological agents
that have had therapeutic success for this distressing and frustrating
symptom is provided. |
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| ISSN: | 0835-7900 |