N-of-1 trials of quinine efficacy in skeletal muscle cramps of the leg.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Skeletal muscle cramps affect over a third of the ambulatory elderly population. Quinine is the established treatment, but there are safety concerns, and evidence for efficacy is conflicting. A recent meta-analysis established a small advantage for quinine, but identified the need for additional studies. N-of-1 trials compare two treatments, in a randomised, double-blind, multiple crossover study on a patient-by-patient basis. They have been used to compare treatments in osteoarthritis and may be suitable for determining the individual efficacy of quinine.

Aim

To establish efficacy and safety of quinine sulphate use for the treatment of leg-muscle cramp.

Design of study

Double-blind, randomised series of n-of-1 controlled trials of quinine versus placebo fo

SUBMITTER: Woodfield R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1463087 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature