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


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


METHODS
Double-blind, randomised series of n-of-1 controlled trials of quinine versus placebo for muscle cramps.


METHODS
New Zealand general practices.


METHODS
The participants were 13 general practice patients (six males; seven females; median age = 75 years) already prescribed quinine. Following a 2-week washout, each patient received three 4-week treatment blocks of quinine sulphate and matched placebo capsules with an individual, randomised crossover design. The main outcome measures were: patient diaries of cramp occurrence, duration and severity; capsule counts; and blood quinine levels in the final treatment block.


RESULTS
Ten patients completed the trial. Three patients were identified for whom quinine was clearly beneficial (P <0.05), six showed non-significant benefit and one showed no benefit. All patients elected to continue quinine post-study.


CONCLUSIONS
Series of n -of-1 studies differentiated patients whom quinine had statistically significant effects; those with trend towards effectiveness; those for whom quinine was probably not effective. Ideally n-of-1 trial should be performed when a patient is commenced on quinine. More cycles in n-of-1 studies of quinine may address issues of statistical power.
Woodfield
Rachel
R
School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Goodyear-Smith
Felicity
F
Arroll
Bruce
B
D000368:Aged; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D009120:Muscle Cramp / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects; D009520:New Zealand; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011803:Quinine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020922:Sleep-Wake Transition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D011803:Quinine