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.
Keywords: ATP; Chronic Liver Disease; MAP; PRA; QOL; adenosine triphosphate; mean arterial pressure; plasma renin activity; quality of life.
Copyright © 2013 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.