The effect of magnesium infusion on rest cramps: randomized controlled trial.

Background: Rest cramps (also known as nocturnal leg cramps) are very common in a geriatric population. Oral magnesium supplements are marketed for prophylaxis of such cramps but clinical trials exploring the efficacy of oral magnesium conflict. A therapeutic trial of intravenous magnesium overcomes the limited oral bioavailability of magnesium and better assesses its therapeutic potential.

Assessing the metabolic and clinical consequences of early enteral feeding in the malnourished patient.

Background: It is often thought that enteral feeding should be initiated slowly in those who are severely malnourished. This descriptive study examined the effect of an enteral feeding protocol on the typical metabolic consequences seen in refeeding syndrome.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 51 patients who had been placed on hospital-wide enteral feeding and electrolyte replacement protocols over a 9-month period to determine whether there were any negative clinical consequences to early feeding.