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

[摘要] 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.

[学科分类] 卫生学

[关键词] muscle cramp;placebos;quinine;randomized controlled trials