Clinical Trial: Oral Carnitine for Cramps in Pregnancy

Study Status: Terminated
Recruit Status: Terminated
Study Type: Interventional

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

Brief 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.

Detailed 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. 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.
Sponsor: University of Southern California

Current Primary Outcome: Complete elimination of muscle cramps [ Time Frame: 4 weeks ]

Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome:

Original Secondary Outcome:

Information By: University of Southern California

Dates:
Date Received: August 14, 2007
Date Started: July 2008
Date Completion:
Last Updated: April 18, 2017
Last Verified: October 2009