Nine Dialysis Cases with Recurrent Calf Cramps Successfully Treated with Kampo Medicines

Abstract

Calf cramps is a complication that can arise in dialysis patients. Shakuyakukanzoto is a useful medicine that is administered at appropriate doses for calf cramps. However, this medicine has been effective at the beginning, with a subsequent progressive decrease in its effect. We came to experience invalidity cases. In five phases theory, calf cramps were recognized as a disorder of the liver, and we administered saikokeishito, including saiko and shakuyaku, which regulate the liver function. We report on 9 dialysis patients with calf cramps who were successfully treated with saikokeishito. Calf cramps were considered to occur by the ataxia of organization of lesser yang pattern resulted in periodic attack, and the ataxia of auto nervous system as the symptom of yin yang disconnection. Saikokeishito is prepared using shosaikoto which regulates the lesser yang pattern and keishito which modulates the yin yang balance. Saikokeishito has the properties of both of these medicines. Thus, it may be a suitable medicine for calf cramps that occur owing to life style in dialysis patients.