Prevention of hemodialysis-related muscle cramps by intradialytic use of sequential compression devices: a report of four cases.

Background: Hemodialysis (HD)-related lower extremity (LE) muscle cramps are a common cause of morbidity in end-stage renal disease patients on maintenance HD. Numerous pharmacologic and physical measures have been tried with variable success rates.

Methods: Sequential compression devices (SCD) improve venous return (VR) and are commonly used to prevent LE deep venous thrombosis in hospitals.