Prospective study of muscle cramps in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to assess the frequency, location, severity, duration, and fluctuation over time of muscle cramps in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). Methods: Inherited Neuropathies Consortium Contact Registry participants recorded the occurrence and characteristics of muscle cramps using an 11-question survey administered 3 times over 8 weeks. Results: A total of 110 adult patients with CMT completed the survey. Weekly cramp frequency was 9.3 (SD 12.3), and 23% had daily muscle cramps. Twenty-two percent reported a significant impact on quality of life. Over 8 weeks, the daily frequency and severity of muscle cramps did not change significantly. Conclusions: Patients with CMT have muscle cramps that vary little over an 8-week period, and they may interfere with quality of life. These data may be useful in the planning of clinical trials of agents to treat adults with CMT-associated muscle cramps.