MUSCLE CRAMPS IN PATIENTS WITH CIRRHOSIS

Objective: To determine the prevalence of muscle cramps in subjects wi th chronic liver disease and to identify factors associated with their development, Methods: We performed a cross-sectional survey in 132 su bjects with chronic liver disease: cirrhotics (n = 92) and subjects wi th chronic hepatitis (n = 40), In addition, to control for diuretic us e, patients with congestive heart failure (n = 40) were included as a comparison group, Results: The prevalence of chronic muscle cramps was significantly greater in cirrhotics compared with patients with chron ic hepatitis [48/92 (52%) vs 3/40 (7.5%), respectively, p < 0.0001] an d compared with subjects with congestive heart failure [8/40 (20%), p < 0.001]. Factors, including age, gender, alcoholic liver disease, ele ctrolytes, and diuretic use were similar among cirrhotics with and wit hout cramps, Significantly higher total bilirubin and lower albumin le vels were noted in cirrhotics with and without cramps, respectively; h owever, there was no significant difference in Child's A or B classifi cation, Conclusions: There is an increased prevalence of chronic muscl e cramps in subjects with cirrhosis that appears to be independent of the etiology of cirrhosis, diuretic consumption, serum electrolyte alt erations, or differences in Child's classification, These results sugg est that cramps in these patients are related specifically to the deve lopment of cirrhosis, and worsening liver function may be a risk facto r for the development of cramps.