title: Association of leptin with hemodialysis-related muscle cramps: a cross-sectional study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The mechanism of muscle cramp in hemodialysis patients is not well understood. Leptin, a middle molecule uremic toxin, is able to affect neuronal activity. This study aimed to determine the association between leptin and hemodialysis-related muscle cramps.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 79 hemodialysis patients were enrolled. The episodes of hemodialysis-related muscle cramps were recorded over a 28-day period. Serum levels of leptin were measured on the 15th day, a mid-week dialysis session.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Frequent hemodialysis-related cramps were associated with old age and elevated serum leptin levels. The risk of frequent hemodialysis-related cramps increased with increasing tertiles of leptin concentration. This relationship remained significant after adjustment for age, mean ultrafiltration ratio, gender, body mass index, insulin, resistin, c-reactive protein, albumin, peripheral arterial disease, electrolytes, and beta(2)-microglobulin.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Leptin levels are associated with frequent hemodialysis-related cramps. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
authors.affiliation: Division of Nephrology, Hsinchu Branch of Cathay General Hospital, Taiwan, ROC.
authors.forename: Chung-Ying
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Hung
authors.forename: Yung-Liang
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Chiou-Shya
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Chwei-Shiun
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Sheng-Jeng
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Peng
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*; D020738:Leptin / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009120:Muscle Cramp / Q000209:etiology*; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D020738:Leptin