Muscle cramps in liver disease.

Michael B Fallon, Shivang S Mehta

Journal: Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association 2014;11(11):1385-91; quiz e80

PMID: 23542334

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Abstract

Muscle cramps are common in patients with liver disease and adversely influence quality of life. The exact mechanisms by which they occur remain unclear, although a number of pathophysiological events unique to liver disease may contribute. Clinical studies have identified alterations in 3 areas: nerve function, energy metabolism, and plasma volume/electrolytes. Treatments have focused on these particular areas with varied results. This review will focus on the clinical features of muscle cramps in patients with liver disease and review potential mechanisms and current therapies.

Address: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2013.03.017