Patient Reported Outcomes for Muscle Cramping

Overview

Muscle cramping is an especially bothersome symptom in patients receiving dialysis, regardless of modality. Evidence suggests that hemodialysis (in-center, home peritoneal) patients feel that muscle cramping should be a priority area for the development of new treatments. Currently, there is only a single question on the KDQOL survey addressing muscle cramping. A Kidney Health Initiative project was launched to define a set of patient-reported outcome measures that could be used in future clinical trials to evaluate kidney replacement therapy devices as well as medications. Through literature analyses and focus group discussions, a conceptual framework of standardized, patient-endorsed definitions of skeletal muscle cramping was developed.

Deliverables

Conceptual Framework for Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Clinical Trials of Skeletal Muscle Cramping Experienced in Dialysis
Patient Perspectives of Skeletal Muscle Cramping in Dialysis: a Focus Group Study