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Muscle cramp in pediatric Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A: prevalence and predictors

Fiona Blyton1, Monique M Ryan, Robert A Ouvrier

  • 1Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia.

Neurology
|December 2, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Calf cramps are common in children with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A), increasing with age. This study found that older age and hand tremor are independent predictors of calf cramp in these children.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) is a progressive hereditary neuropathy.
  • Calf cramps are a frequently reported symptom in individuals with CMT1A, impacting quality of life.
  • Understanding the factors associated with calf cramps in pediatric CMT1A is crucial for management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify clinical and neurophysiological correlates of calf cramp in children diagnosed with CMT1A.
  • To determine independent predictors of calf cramp in this pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 81 Australian children (aged 2-16 years) with CMT1A participated in the study.
  • Comprehensive assessments included measures of strength, range of motion, balance, agility, endurance, gait, and neurophysiology.
  • Post hoc logistic regression analyses were employed to identify independent predictors of calf cramp.

Main Results:

  • Calf cramp was reported by 32% of the children.
  • Calf cramp was significantly associated with older age, hand tremor, stronger foot muscle strength, and better performance on functional tests.
  • Logistic regression identified increasing age (OR 1.32) and hand tremor (OR 3.81) as independent predictors of calf cramp.

Conclusions:

  • Calf cramps are prevalent in children with CMT1A and their frequency increases with age.
  • A novel association between calf cramp and hand tremor in pediatric CMT1A was identified.
  • Further research into shared mechanisms and risk factors for cramp and tremor is warranted to improve understanding and management of CMT1A complications.
Abstract

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