Oral Carnitine for Cramps in Pregnancy

Muscle Cramp Clinical Trial

Official title: Oral L-Carnitine for the Treatment of Muscle Cramps in Pregnancy: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

Status Terminated

Clinical Trial Summary

Muscle cramps occur frequently among pregnant women, and few therapeutic options exist. This is a study of oral L-carnitine, a dietary supplement, for the treatment of muscle cramps in pregnancy. Our hypothesis is that carnitine will alleviate or eliminate muscle cramps experienced by pregnant women.

Clinical Trial Description

Muscle cramps occur frequently among pregnant women, and few therapeutic options exist. This is a study of oral L-carnitine, a dietary supplement, for the treatment of muscle cramps in pregnancy. The conceptual basis for this study comes from the fact that carnitine has been used effectively in multiple randomized trials for the treatment of muscle cramps in other carnitine deficient states (such as hemodialysis). In pregnancy, women have decreased serum carnitine concentrations (from decreased intake, increased clearance by the kidney, and increased demands from the fetus). Thus, our hypothesis is that carnitine will alleviate or eliminate muscle cramps experienced by pregnant women. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Muscle Cramp
• Spasm

• NCT number: NCT00516516
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: University of Southern California
• Status: Terminated
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: July 2008
• Completion date: July 2009