Cramps Research Articles

Gastroenteritis: A Comprehensive Review

Gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as stomach flu, is an acute inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, marked by symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of gastroenteritis, addressing its etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, and prevention strategies. The condition is caused by a variety of infectious agents such as viruses (noroviruses, rotaviruses), bacteria (Campylobacter, Salmonella), and parasites (Giardia lamblia), with transmission typically occurring through contaminated food, water, or person-to-person contact. Globally, gastroenteritis remains a significant public health issue, with high morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in children under five in developing countries. Diagnosis often relies on clinical evaluation and laboratory tests, while management focuses on rehydration therapy and symptomatic relief. Preventive measures include personal hygiene, food safety practices, environmental sanitation, and vaccination, with rotavirus vaccines significantly reducing severe cases in children. Emerging trends in gastroenteritis research aim at developing rapid diagnostic tools, novel therapeutic approaches, and new vaccines, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to mitigate the global impact of this disease.

Comprehensive review of salmonellosis: current status of the disease and future perspectives

Salmonellosis is a significant public health concern in Saudi Arabia, with various serovars of Salmonella causing outbreaks and infections. The disease's clinical presentation includes common symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, with potential complications in severe cases. Diagnosing salmonellosis in Saudi Arabia involves a combination of traditional laboratory methods and molecular techniques to ensure accurate identification and treatment. Preventive measures and control strategies, including vaccination campaigns, food safety protocols, and public health education, have been implemented to mitigate the spread of salmonellosis. Challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, limited healthcare resources in rural areas, and underreporting of cases persist and impact the effective management of the disease. Recommendations for improving salmonellosis prevention and management include enhancing surveillance, implementing public health education campaigns, strengthening food safety regulations, promoting antimicrobial stewardship, investing in research, improving healthcare infrastructure, and fostering collaboration and coordination between sectors. Implementing these recommendations can help Saudi Arabia effectively address the challenges posed by salmonellosis and reduce the burden of the disease on public health.

Hereditary Angiopathy with Nephropathy, Aneurysms, and Muscle Cramp (HANAC) Syndrome: There Is More to Explore!

Hereditary Angiopathy with Nephropathy, Aneurysms, and Muscle Cramp (HANAC) Syndrome: There Is More to Explore!

COL4A1 Mutation: Hereditary Angiopathy with Nephropathy, Aneurysms, and Muscle Cramps (HANAC) Syndrome, an ADPKD Mimicker

COL4A1 Mutation: Hereditary Angiopathy with Nephropathy, Aneurysms, and Muscle Cramps (HANAC) Syndrome, an ADPKD Mimicker

S791 An Association Between IBS Quality of Life Score and Symptoms of Abdominal Pain, Bloating, and Cramping in IBS-C: A Pooled Phase 3 Trial Correlation Analysis

S791 An Association Between IBS Quality of Life Score and Symptoms of Abdominal Pain, Bloating, and Cramping in IBS-C: A Pooled Phase 3 Trial Correlation Analysis

Hemoperitoneum Due to Dissection and Rupture of the Superior Mesenteric Artery in a Patient With COL3A1 Mutation

Introduction: Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) is an autosomal dominant disorder that results from mutations in the collagen type III gene. It is a risk factor for medium-sized artery aneurysms, dissections, and ruptures. We report a case of hemoperitoneum due to medial dissection and rupture of the superior mesenteric artery related to vEDS. Methods: A full body CT scan and full three cavity autopsy was performed in a 47-year-old man with a history of an intermittent abdominal cramping for one week rand complex past medical history that included a sigmoid bowel perforation at age 20, and previous popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm rupture. Histology and genetic testing were performed. Results: The postmortem computed tomography and autopsy showed a significant hemoperitoneum due to a ruptured dissection of the superior mesenteric artery and branches, and multiple splanchnic artery dissections with renal and small bowel infarctions. Genetic testing revealed a heterozygous COL3A1 gene variant associated with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Death was attributed to hemoperitoneum due to medial dissection and rupture of the superior mesenteric artery due to arteriopathy. Discussion: The relatively young age and medical history correlate with the autopsy findings and genetic testing towards the conclusion of an arteriopathy consistent with vEDS.

Development of air therapy as a novel therapeutic branch in the field of rehabilitation.

Developing technology in the field of rehabilitation is vital to accelerate recovery and decrease the side effects of current modalities. Rehabilitation is a challenging science in which the main challenge is not just treating the patient but also to shorten the rehabilitation time and avoid harmful effects. Thus, this review demonstrates the possible design and effects of air therapy as a novel treatment branch besides hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, and manual therapy in the field of rehabilitation. The search was conducted over clinical trials, literature reviews, and systematic reviews on the possible effects of treatments that may have similar effects to the newly developed air therapy. This search was conducted in the Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCO, and Medline databases. Air therapy could be used to improve the function of mechanoreceptors, improve circulation and microcirculation, decrease pain, the release of trigger points, regain the elasticity of soft tissues, treat acute and chronic inflammations, decrease muscle cramps and spasticity, strengthen muscle, and decrease muscle fatigue and Decreasing muscle fatigue and delayed muscle soreness. Air therapy is a novel treatment modality that can be used effectively in the field of rehabilitation. Air therapy could be a valuable and safe treatment in rehabilitation.

Antimicrobial Resistance in Diverse Escherichia coli Pathotypes from Nigeria.

Escherichia coli is a gram-negative commensal bacterium living in human and animal intestines. Its pathogenic strains lead to high morbidity and mortality, which can adversely affect people by causing urinary tract infections, food poisoning, septic shock, or meningitis. Humans can contract E. coli by eating contaminated food-such as raw or undercooked raw milk, meat products, and fresh produce sold in open markets-as well as by coming into contact with contaminated settings like wastewater, municipal water, soil, and faeces. Some pathogenic strains identified in Nigeria, include Enterohemorrhagic (Verotoxigenic), Enterotoxigenic, Enteropathogenic, Enteroinvasive, and Enteroaggregative E. coli. This causes acute watery or bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. Apart from the virulence profile of E. coli, antibiotic resistance mechanisms such as the presence of blaCTX-M found in humans, animals, and environmental isolates are of great importance and require surveillance and monitoring for emerging threats in resource-limited countries. This review is aimed at understanding the underlying mechanisms of evolution and antibiotic resistance in E. coli in Nigeria and highlights the use of improving One Health approaches to combat the problem of emerging infectious diseases.

Experimental substantiation of the methodology for the development of physical qualities women of mature age (45-55 years)

This article deals with issues aimed at the development of middle-aged women who are able to stimulate the endurance of the abdominal press, the flexibility of the hamstrings, and the muscular endurance of the upper body after 12 weeks of physical exercises for two sessions of 60 minutes per week. Squats and push-ups increase strength and muscular endurance. A woman's physical condition is also largely tied to the phases of the menstrual cycle. At the same time, the manifestation of changes in the body of women during this period is very diverse. Menstrual health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not just the absence of diseases or ailments associated with the menstrual cycle. This is the process of preparing the body for pregnancy. Menstrual health has a huge impact on society, from the impact on careers and opportunities to health issues. Menstruation greatly affects the physical performance of athletes due to symptoms such as cramps, back pain, headache and bloating. In addition, statistics claim that 75% of women who engage in any type of physical activity experience negative side effects due to their menstrual cycle. During menstruation, women suffer from several physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms that often result from premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Approximately 75% of women suffer from PMS and may experience headaches, abdominal cramps, bloating, fatigue, anxiety, high stress levels, or a combination of these symptoms. These symptoms range from mild to so severe that some women take days off work. While this is difficult for women to deal with in general, it affects athletes even more, who often have to go through rigorous training and physical exertion on a daily basis.

Identification of Nocturnal Leg Cramps and Affecting Factors in COPD Patients: Logistic Regression and Artificial Neural Network.

Although there are many sleep-related complaints in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, nocturnal leg cramps have not been adequately and extensively studied. This study fills a significant gap in the literature by determining the prevalence and influencing factors of nocturnal leg cramps in COPD patients. However, our findings also underscore the need for further research, inspiring future studies and interventions in this area. This study was conducted with a rigorous methodology, employing a comprehensive approach to evaluate the probability of experiencing nocturnal leg cramps in 215 COPD and 215 control group patients matched for age and gender. Logistic regression analysis was used, supplemented by artificial neural networks, to identify the influencing factors. This robust methodology ensures the reliability and validity of our findings. The findings of this study are not only significant but also enlightening, shedding light on the prevalence and influencing factors of nocturnal leg cramps in COPD patients. The frequency of experiencing these cramps was found to be 40.9% in chronic obstructive pulmonary patients and 21.9% in the control group (p < .05). In COPD patients, factors such as milk group food consumption, blood erythrocyte level, the cover used while sleeping, blood creatinine level, the presence of coronary artery disease, the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, the upper mid-arm muscle area, and use of drugs with methylxanthine active ingredient methylxanthine were found to affect the occurrence of these cramps. Our findings not only call for further research but also have immediate practical implications. They highlight the crucial role of nurses in managing nocturnal leg cramps in COPD patients. By controlling patients' cold stress, the bed covers they use, and their dairy product consumption, nurses can significantly contribute to managing these cramps, thereby improving the quality of life for these patients. This underscores the importance of their role in patient care and management.

A Rare Case of Aconite Poisoning in a Tertiary Care Center in Nepal: Clinical Presentation and Management

Introduction: Aconite poisoning, caused by the toxin aconitine in the Aconitum genus (monkshood or wolfsbane), can be severe and requires supportive care as there is no specific antidote. Aconitine inhibits sodium channel inactivation, leading to dangerous cardiovascular and neurological symptoms.  Case Presentation: A 46-year-old male ingested half of a suspected aconite seed, leading to abdominal cramping, persistent vomiting, tingling sensations, and weakness. Upon admission, he exhibited hypotension, tachycardia, and bilateral mydriasis. ECG showed ventricular premature contractions. Treatment included intravenous amiodarone, magnesium sulfate, calcium gluconate, and gastric lavage with activated charcoal. He was admitted to the ICU for intensive monitoring and treatment, including ongoing amiodarone administration. After improvement, he was transferred to the general ward and later discharged.  Discussion: Aconite poisoning involves symptoms from aconitine's effect on sodium channels, including arrhythmias, hypotension, and neurological issues. Management focuses on supportive care, antiemetics, and monitoring. Advanced treatments like flecainide or amiodarone may restore normal heart rhythm, and severe cases might require a cardiac bypass or VA- ECMO.  Conclusion: This case describes a rare aconite poisoning with severe neurological, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal symptoms after ingestion of a suspected aconite seed. The patient was treated with decontamination, intravenous amiodarone, and ICU care, leading to recovery. Despite its traditional use, aconite poisoning often results from its application without proper regulation, highlighting the need for rapid diagnosis and management.

Leg Pain - Muscle Cramps

Leg Pain - Muscle Cramps

Hypophysitis and central nervous system involvement in association with Sjögren’s syndrome along with hypoparathyroidism: a case report

BackgroundPatients with autoimmune diseases can develop multiple autoimmune diseases over a long period of time, and the presence of more than one autoimmune disease in a single patient is defined as polyautoimmunity. Polyautoimmunity may be clinical evidence that autoimmune diseases share similar immunological mechanisms.Case presentationWe report a 30-year-old woman with a unique combination of autoimmune diseases predominantly affecting the central nervous system, with hypoparathyroidism, hypophysitis, medulla involvement, and pons and temporal lobe involvement associated with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), occurring independently over a long period. The patient who had a history of muscle cramps and one seizure incident, presented with vomiting and blurred vision. She was diagnosed with hypophysitis and hypoparathyroidism with calcifications in the basal ganglia and cerebellum. She recovered after four months of corticosteroid treatment for hypophysitis and was started on treatment for hypoparathyroidism. Eight months later, she developed vomiting, hiccups, vertigo, and ataxia with a focal lesion in the medulla. She recovered with immunosuppressive treatment for 2 years. Fifty-eight months after the onset of hypophysitis, she developed diplopia and dry mouth and eyes. MRI showed infiltrative lesions in the left pons and left temporal lobe. Based on positive anti-Sjögren's syndrome-related antigen A antibodies and low unstimulated whole salivary flow rate, pSS was diagnosed. She received corticosteroids and continued mycophenolate mofetil treatment with recovery of neurological symptoms.ConclusionThis case highlights the need for long-term follow-up to detect autoimmune disease processes involving various organs.

Apple cider vinegar in folk and modern medicine: a historical review and current scientific evidence.

Introduction and Aim of the Study: Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used for centuries in various cultural and medical contexts globally. This study seeks to explore ACV's traditional and contemporary applications, evaluating scientific evidence for its efficacy and safety. Material and Methods: This review synthesizes information from PubMed, Google Scholar, and other scientific sources. Key search terms included "apple cider vinegar," "apple cider vinegar medical use," "apple cider vinegar antimicrobial effect," "apple cider vinegar lipid profile," "apple cider vinegar glucose level," "apple cider vinegar preparation," and "apple cider vinegar historical use." Results: Research supports ACV's traditional role as a disinfectant, demonstrating effectiveness against a range of bacteria and fungi. Both animal and human studies suggest ACV may help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels while boosting HDL cholesterol. Evidence indicates ACV can enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce blood glucose levels, offering benefits for type 2 diabetes management. ACV shows antioxidant properties, potential for lowering blood pressure, and use in certain skin diseases, though further research is needed to confirm these effects. Conclusions: The historical use of ACV in traditional medicine finds partial support in modern scientific research. Its antimicrobial, lipid-modulating, and glucose-regulating properties are documented, suggesting potential benefits for cardiovascular health, weight management, and metabolic regulation. Nonetheless, the evidence for its cosmetic applications and impact on muscle cramps remains less definitive. Additional research involving larger, diverse populations is necessary to fully validate ACV's benefits and establish safe usage guidelines.

Isaacs' syndrome: Clinical and paraclinical perspectives in a series of cases.

Background: Isaacs' syndrome is a form of generalized peripheral nerve hyperexcitability (PNH) causing increased and continuous muscle activity characterized by muscle twitching, stiffness, cramps, myokymia, and pseudomyotonia. Herein, we aimed to review the clinical and paraclinical aspects of Isaacs' syndrome in a number of cases. Methods: We reported a series of 12 patients with Isaacs' syndrome, including their clinical features, electrophysiological findings, laboratory parameters, malignancy work-up, and therapeutic management. Results: In all cases, clinical and electrodiagnostic assessment was suggestive of Isaacs' syndrome. Of the 12 studied cases, 5 patients were positive for both leucine-rich glioma inactivated 1 (LGI1) and contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CASPR2) antibodies, 5 patients were CASPR2 positive and LGI1 negative, and 1 had borderline positive titers for CASPR2 with negative LGI1 antibody. The search for underlying malignancies was inconclusive in all subjects. After symptomatic treatment, mostly with carbamazepine or gabapentin, immunotherapies with double filtration plasmapheresis or Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) provided favorable outcomes. Ultimately, all subjects fully recovered after 3-6 months of follow-up and all signs and symptoms resolved. Conclusion: Despite the rarity of the disease, our results provide valuable information for understanding the epidemiological, clinical, and paraclinical features of Isaacs' syndrome.

Myositis -specific and -associated antibodies in neurological disorders - A retrospective study of 727 patients

ObjectiveMyositis-specific antibodies (MSAs) and myositis-associated antibodies (MAAs) are assessed in clinical neurology, serving as a non-invasive tool for the differential diagnosis of autoimmune myopathies. However, the presence of MSAs and MAAs in neurological disorders remains uncertain. MethodsRetrospective analysis was conducted on 878 serum samples from the neurological laboratory of the University Hospital Tübingen, Germany. The EUROLINE Myositis Profil 3 (IgG) Line Blot was used for antibody evaluation (anti-Mi2, -Ku, -PM-Scl100, -PM-Scl75, -Jo1, -SRP, -PL7, -PL12, -EJ, -OJ, and -Ro52). Samples were categorized into 19 disease groups, with consideration for myositis-linked and non-myositis-linked diseases. Then, the distribution of positive findings and the concurrent presence of more than one MAA/MSA were analyzed. ResultsAmong 727 included line blots, 84 could be assigned to myositis-linked diseases (thereof 44 positive for MAA/MSA). MAA and MSA taken together were more frequently positive for the main group of myositis-linked disease (52.4 %) compared to the non-myositis-linked group (14.6 %, overall specificity 85.4 %). However, individual antibodies were specific, ranging above 97.5 %. False positive antibody results can also occur in neurological differential diagnoses such as muscle dystrophy or cramp fasciculation syndrome. Furthermore, the concurrent presence of more than one MAA/MSA does not show a significant association with the presence of a myositis-linked disease for antibody-positive samples (p = 0.136). DiscussionTesting MSA and MAA simultaneously may not be suitable as a primary screening method for myositis-linked diseases in clinical neurological groups. However, MSAs and MAAs may offer valuable diagnostic support, particularly in cases where myositis is strongly considered.

A Case of Conn’s Syndrome Presenting with Resistant Hypertension with Low Potassium

ABSTRACT A 38-year-old female presented with complaints of persistent severe hypertension with the range of more than 220/120 mmHg despite taking four antihypertensive medications with their optimum dosages. She also reported some fatigue with some muscle weakness and occasional muscle cramps. The patient was diagnosed with Conn’s syndrome based on his clinical presentation and laboratory results.

Anti-fibrinolytics for mucosal bleeding in adults with life-limiting illnesses: a systematic review

IntroductionPatients with life-limiting illnesses are at increased risk of mucosal bleeding. Usual management includes anticipatory planning and sedation, alongside anti-fibrinolytics, despite a lack of evidence for their use. Anti-fibrinolytic agents...

COMPREHENSIVE MIDWIFERY CARE FOR SLEEP DISTURBANCES IN A MULTIGRAVIDA PATIENT

In the third trimester, women usually experience discomfort such as low back pain, frequent urination, fetal movements, heartburn, leg cramps, fatigue, especially sleep disturbances or difficulty sleeping until the morning. Third trimester pregnant women often experience sleep disturbances, this causes a decrease in sleep duration in pregnant women. Based on the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, in 2021, the number of pregnant women in Indonesia who experienced sleep disorders reached 64%. This study aims to determine midwifery care to overcome sleep disorders in pregnant women. The method in this research is a case study approach. Data collection in this research used interviews and observation. The subject of this research was Mrs "U" G4P1A2 38 weeks pregnant with complaints of discomfort and sleep disturbances. The causes of sleep disorders in Mrs "U" were an enlarged uterus, increased fetal weight, shortness of breath, restlessness, difficulty falling asleep and frequently waking up at night because she wanted to urinate. The research results showed that after intervention through the use of video 6 times in more than 1 week with a duration of ± 10 minutes, Mrs. “U” decreased and felt better, felt more relaxed, slept more comfortably, and woke up less frequently at night. It can be concluded that the case study of comprehensive midwifery care for Mrs. “U” runs normally and is effective in overcoming the discomfort experienced. The result of this study being limited to a single patient, restricts the generalizability of the findings.Future research with a larger sample size is needed to validate these results and explore the broader applicability of this midwifery intervention. Keywords: Sleep Disturbances, Yoga Prenatal, Midwifery Care

Strategies to Address Statin Medication Intolerance Among Patients at Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Identified Through Electronic Health Records: A Literature Review and Pooled Analysis.

Statins are a group of medications that lower lipid and are used for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Patients can either be partially (15%) or completely (5%) intolerant to statins. Symptoms of statin intolerance can include muscle aches (myalgia), weakness, cramps, myopathy, diabetes mellitus, and elevated creatine kinase levels. Decreasing statin intolerance also improves statin adherence, which in turn results in lower number of CVD events among patients. Studies on statin intolerance is often embedded within studies of statin adherence. However, relevant data can be obtained from digital health systems. This preliminary literature review looks at studies from the past 10 years to identify and determine the effectiveness of strategies to address statin intolerance. The NLA definition for statin intolerance was used in this review. The initial search results on EMBASE, PubMed, SCOPUS, and CINAHL showed 91 articles and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, four articles were used in this review and pooled analysis. The study patients were identified through electronic health records. The pooled analysis was done using the Metafor package in R, applying a random-effect model to estimate pooled effect size. The findings suggest that using fixed dose combination therapy and switching from a lipophilic statin to a hydrophilic statin, while correcting metabolic abnormalities, or initiating evolocumab alongside statin can address statin intolerance. The overall relative risk (RR) was 0.40 (95% CI, 0.09 to 1.70) with I2 90%, and the overall odds ratio (OR) was 0.11 (95% CI, 0.01 to 1.59) with I2 94%, suggesting that the interventions work well in addressing statin intolerance. Since statin intolerance is has a vast range of effects, further research works may be done on exploring the possibility of using digital health systems to identify and provide targeted interventions to patients.