This study sets out to show whether infusions of magnesium can lessen the frequency of rest cramps and to determine whether rest cramp sufferers have a deficiency in magnesium.
Subjects will be randomized to receive 5 days of 4 hour IV infusions of D5W either with or without 20 mmol magnesium sulfate added. Twenty four hour urinary excretion of magnesium will be determined on the first day of infusions to assess whether magnesium deficiency is present. Ten normal controls will also undergo a single infusion and collection of urine to serve as a comparison group for the urinary excretion data.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
54
See Detailed Description.
Richmond Hospital
Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
Change in the frequency of leg cramps per week (active versus placebo) over the first 30 days post infusions compared to the 30 days prior to randomization (as recorded in patient diaries).
Time frame: See above
Assessment of magnesium status at trial entry as determined by 24 hour fractional excretion of magnesium on day 1 of infusions.
Subjective assessment as to whether cramps were unchanged, more, or less frequent /painful/"bothersome" over the 3 months. following infusions.
Time frame: See above
Overall quality of life changes as measured by an SF36 questionnaire.
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