The treatment of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder in adults--an update for 2012: practice parameters with an evidence-based systematic review and meta-analyses: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline

Benzodiazepines for restless legs syndrome

BACKGROUND

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common disease affecting about 5% to 15% of the population. Symptoms of RLS can be severe in a minority of and can have a major impact on sleep, mostly sleep initiation, and quality of life. Benzodiazepines are drugs that can induce and maintain sleep and, hence, intuitively are thought to be beneficial to people with RLS. Altough benzodiazepines, particularly clonazepam, are used to treat RLS symptoms, a systematic review done by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine stated that benzodiazepines should not be used as a first-line treatment, although could be used as a coadjuvant therapy.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of benzodiazepine compared to placebo or other treatment for idiopathic RLS, including unconfounded trials comparing benzodiazepines versus open control.

SEARCH METHODS

In March 2016 we searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and LILACS We checked the references of each study and contacted study authors to identify any additional studies. We considered studies published in any language.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised clinical trials of benzodiazepine treatment in idiopathic RLS.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We did not perform data collection and analysis, since we did not include any studies, MAIN RESULTS: We did not identify any studies that met the inclusion criteria of the review. Two cross-over studies are awaiting classification because the cross-over trials did not give data at the end of the first cross-over period.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The effectiveness of benzodiazepines for RLS treatment is currently unknown.

Prevalence of restless legs syndrome in chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

INTRODUCTION

Nowadays prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients was reported in many studies, while the results varied. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of RLS in this population, considering different data collecting measures and diagnostic criteria.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases were searched for relevant studies. We limited the analyses to studies using clinical interview or questionnaire for diagnosis. Univariate meta-regression analysis was preformed to assess the effects of the disease-related covariates on prevalence estimates. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 2.0 was used to perform the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Fifty-one studies were included in the analysis. Prevalence of RLS was varied by renal function and diagnostic methods. Overall prevalence in CKD populations was 24.2% (95%CI, 20.1-28.7). Pooled prevalence of RLS was higher in patients diagnosed by questionnaire than by clinical interview [26.2% (95%CI, 17.9-36.5) vs. 23.6% (95%CI, 19.6-28.1)]. When grouped by CKD setting, the prevalence was 28.4% (95%CI, 24.6-32.6) in dialysis patients, followed by early stages patients [9.9% (95%CI, 5.4-17.5)], and kidney transplant recipients [6.7% (95%CI, 5.6-7.8)].

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis suggested that more than one-quarter of CKD sufferers, especially those who were on dialysis, were plagued by RLS. Higher sensitivity of diagnostic criteria in interview may be valuable for timely treatment.

Prevalence of restless legs syndrome during detoxification from alcohol and opioids

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a movement disorder associated with adverse health outcomes and decreased quality of life. Small case series suggest that symptoms of RLS occur during opioid withdrawal. However, the prevalence is unknown.

METHODS

We conducted an observational study to determine the prevalence of RLS among inpatients patients receiving buprenorphine detoxification from opioids. To assess the specificity of RLS to opioid detoxification, we also evaluated patients receiving detoxification from alcohol as a comparison group. The diagnosis of RLS was established using a validated questionnaire.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 124 adults with primary opioid use disorder and 180 with primary alcohol use disorder. In the total sample, 33.6% met a likely RLS diagnosis: 50.8% of those with opioid use disorder and 21.7% of those with alcohol use disorder (χ² = 27.96[1,304] p < .001). In the logistic regression analysis controlling for socio-demographic and clinical variables, diagnosis of opioid use disorder was associated with more than twice the likelihood of RLS diagnosis (OR=2.05, 95% CI 1.09-3.88) relative to diagnosis of alcohol use disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately half of patients undergoing inpatient opioid detoxification exhibited the symptoms characteristic of RLS. We believe that these data support the existence of a secondary form of RLS associated with opioid withdrawal.

Opioids for restless legs syndrome

BACKGROUND

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a distressing and common neurological disorder that may have a huge impact in the quality of life of those with frequent and intense symptoms. Patients complain of unpleasant sensations in the legs, at or before bedtime, and feel an urge to move the legs, which improves with movement, such as walking. Symptoms start with the patient at rest (e.g. sitting or lying down), and follow a circadian pattern, increasing during the evening or at night. Many pharmacological intervention are available for RLS, including drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease (L-Dopa and dopaminergic agonists), epilepsy (anticonvulsants), anxiety (benzodiazepines), and pain (opioids). Dopaminergic drugs are those most frequently used for treatment of RLS, but some patients do not respond effectively and require other medication. Opioids, a class of medications used to treat severe pain, seem to be effective in treating RLS symptoms, and are recommended for patients with severe symptoms, because RLS and pain appear to share the same mechanism in the central nervous system. All available drugs are associated to some degree with side effects, which can impede treatment. Opioids are associated with adverse events such as constipation, tolerance, and dependence. This justifies the conduct of a systematic review to ascertain whether opioids are safe and effective for treatment of RLS.

OBJECTIVES

To asses the effects of opioids compared to placebo treatment for restless legs syndrome in adults.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials, CENTRAL 2016, issue 4 and MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS up to April 2016, using a search strategy adapted by Cochraneto identify randomised clinical trials. We checked the references of each study and established personal communication with other authors to identify any additional studies. We considered publications in all languages.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled clinical trials of opioid treatment in adults with idiopathic RLS.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened articles, independently extracted data into a standard form, and assessed for risk of bias. If necessary, they discussed discrepancies with a third researcher to resolve any doubts.

MAIN RESULTS

We included one randomised clinical trial (N = 304 randomised; 204 completed; 276 analysed) that evaluated opioids (prolonged release oxycodone/naloxone) versus placebo. After 12 weeks, RSL symptoms had improved more in the drug group than in the placebo group (using the IRLSSS: MD -7.0; 95% CI -9.69 to -4.31 and the CGI: MD -1.11; 95% CI -1.49 to -0.73). More patients in the drug group than in the placebo group were drug responders (using the IRLSSS: RR 1.82; 95% CI 1.37 to 2.42 and the CGI: RR1.92; 95% ICI 1.49 to 2.48). The proportion of remitters was greater in the drug group than in the placebo group (using the IRLSSS: RR 2.14; 95% CI 1.45 to 3.16). Quality of life scores also improved more in the drug group than in the placebo group (MD -0.73; 95% CI -1.1 to -0.36). Quality of sleep was improved more in the drug group measured by sleep adequacy (MD -0.74; 95% CI -1.15 to -0.33), and sleep quantity (MD 0.89; 95% CI 0.52 to 1.26).There was no difference between groups for daytime somnolence, trouble staying awake during the day, or naps during the day. More adverse events were reported in the drug group (RR 1.22; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.39). The major adverse events were gastrointestinal problems, fatigue, and headache.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Opioids seem to be effective for treating RLS symptoms, but there are no definitive data regarding the important problem of safety. This conclusion is based on only one study with a high dropout rate (moderate quality evidence).

Restless legs syndrome and pregnancy: prevalence, possible pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sleep disorder that may be associated with pregnancy. Studies have found that the prevalence of RLS among pregnant women ranged from 10 to 34%. Typically, there is complete remission of symptoms soon after parturition; however, in some patients, they may continue postpartum. RLS has been shown to be associated with a number of complications in pregnancy including preeclampsia and increased incidence of Cesarean sections. Although multiple hypotheses have been proposed to explain this association, each individual hypothesis cannot completely explain the whole pathogenesis. Present understanding suggests that a strong family history, low serum iron and ferritin level, and high estrogen level during pregnancy might play important roles. Vitamin D deficiency and calcium metabolism may also play a role. Medical treatment of RLS during pregnancy is difficult and challenging considering the risks to mother and fetus. However, in some cases, the disease may be severe enough to require treatment.

Prevalence, severity, and impact on quality of life of restless leg syndrome in patients with liver cirrhosis in India

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) has recently been shown to be increased in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). We prospectively studied the prevalence and severity of RLS, and the effect of its presence on the quality of life (QoL) in Indian patients with LC.

METHODS

Adult patients with stable LC (n = 121; 98 male; median age 47 [range 18-68] years; Child-Pugh class A/B/C 59/39/23), were prospectively enrolled along with a group of healthy, adult controls (n = 121; 84 male; median age 42 [19-70] years). Patients with recent (<4 weeks) worsening were excluded. The subjects underwent an initial screening for RLS, followed by a re-evaluation to confirm the diagnosis, using the International RLS Diagnostic Criteria, and assessment of its severity. All participants underwent QoL assessment.

RESULTS

RLS was commoner in LC patients (8/121; 6.6 %) than in controls (1/121; p < 0.05; odds ratio = 8.5 [1.1-69.0]). Presence of RLS showed no association with specific gender (male 7/98, female 1/23), Child-Pugh class (A 5/59, B 1/39 and C 2/23) or cause of liver disease (alcohol 3/32, hepatitis B 1/18, hepatitis C 3/28, and cryptogenic 1/25). RLS severity was moderate (5), severe (2), or very severe (1). Though QoL scores were lower in patients with LC than in controls, those in patients with and without RLS were similar.

CONCLUSION

RLS was commoner in patients with LC than in controls, but did not correlate with liver disease severity and did not adversely influence QoL in LC.

Sleep Characteristics in Early Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease in the HypnoLaus Cohort

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the association between early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and sleep disordered breathing (SDB), restless legs syndrome (RLS), and subjective and objective sleep quality (SQ).

METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis of a general population-based cohort (HypnoLaus). 1,760 adults (862 men, 898 women; age 59.3 (± 11.4) y) underwent complete polysomnography at home.

RESULTS

8.2% of participants had mild CKD (stage 1-2, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) with albuminuria) and 7.8% moderate CKD (stage 3, eGFR 30-60 mL/min/1.73 m(2)). 37.3% of our sample had moderate-to-severe SDB (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] ≥ 15/h) and 15.3% had severe SDB (AHI ≥ 30/h). SDB prevalence was positively associated with CKD stages and negatively with eGFR. In multivariate analysis, age, male sex, and body mass index were independently associated with SDB (all P < 0.001), but kidney function was not. The prevalence of RLS was 17.5%, without difference between CKD stages. Periodic leg movements index (PLMI) was independently associated with CKD stages. Subjective and objective SQ decreased and the use of sleep medication was more frequent with declining kidney function. Older age, female sex, and the severity of SDB were the strongest predictors of poor SQ in multivariate regression analysis but CKD stage was also independently associated with reduced objective SQ.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with early stages of CKD have impaired SQ, use more hypnotic drugs, and have an increased prevalence of SDB and PLM. After controlling for confounders, objective SQ and PLMI were still independently associated with declining kidney function.

Traumatic brain injury-induced sleep disorders

Sleep disturbances are frequently identified following traumatic brain injury, affecting 30%-70% of persons, and often occur after mild head injury. Insomnia, fatigue, and sleepiness are the most frequent sleep complaints after traumatic brain injury. Sleep apnea, narcolepsy, periodic limb movement disorder, and parasomnias may also occur after a head injury. In addition, depression, anxiety, and pain are common brain injury comorbidities with significant influence on sleep quality. Two types of traumatic brain injury that may negatively impact sleep are acceleration/deceleration injuries causing generalized brain damage and contact injuries causing focal brain damage. Polysomnography, multiple sleep latency testing, and/or actigraphy may be utilized to diagnose sleep disorders after a head injury. Depending on the disorder, treatment may include the use of medications, positive airway pressure, and/or behavioral modifications. Unfortunately, the treatment of sleep disorders associated with traumatic brain injury may not improve neuropsychological function or sleepiness.

A double-blind, randomized, controlled trial to compare the efficacy and tolerability of fixed doses of ropinirole, bupropion, and iron in treatment of restless legs syndrome (Willis-Ekbom disease)

Background:

We aimed to compare the efficacy of fixed doses of bupropion and ropinirole and iron alone for the treatment of restless legs syndrome (RLS) and to look for the tolerability of these medications.

Materials and Methods:

Patients diagnosed with RLS were randomly divided into three groups with thirty patients in each group (Group A: Bupropion [300 mg/day], Group B: Ropinirole [0.25–0.5 mg/day], and Group C: Oral iron [150 mg elemental iron] along with folic acid [500 μg]). Each participant was then assessed for severity of RLS, as well as RLS-related quality at the baseline, and thereafter, every 14^th day till 6 weeks based on the International Restless Legs Scale (IRLS) severity rating scale and Restless Legs Syndrome Quality of Life (RLSQoL) Questionnaire, respectively.

Results:

IRLS scores differed significantly from baseline visit to last (F = 4.85; P = 0.01). The interaction between the time x treatment group was significant (F = 10.37; P < 0.001) showing an improvement with the therapy in all the groups. Pair-wise comparison depicted that ropinirole group differed from other two groups in IRLS score (F = 7.06; P = 0.001), which were comparable to each other. Regarding quality of life of these cases, within each group scores differed among all the four visits (F = 5.12; P = 0.002). Unlike IRLS, there was no significant difference among the RLSQOL scores between groups at any point of time (F = 1.2; P = 0.28).

Conclusion:

RLS severity decreased across time in all three groups; however, the ropinirole treatment was better than the bupropion and iron-folate therapy. Moreover, RLS-related quality of life although improved among all groups, it was comparable among three groups.

Efficacy of Pramipexole for the Treatment of Primary Restless Leg Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

PURPOSE

The objective of this meta-analysis was to systematically evaluate the efficacy of pramipexole for the treatment of primary moderate-to-severe restless leg syndrome (RLS).

METHODS

Databases of PubMed, OVID, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Thomson Reuters Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, the Wiley Online Library, ArticleFirst, CALIS, Study, CNKI, and WanFang were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating pramipexole for the treatment of primary moderate-to-severe RLS. A meta-analysis was then conducted to pool results.

FINDINGS

Twelve RCTs involving 3286 participants were included in this study. The mean (SD) treatment duration was 11.12 (5.72) weeks/person. The meta-analysis found that the post-treatment change in the International Restless Leg Syndrome Study Group Rating Scale (IRLS) score of the pramipexole group was significantly superior to that of the placebo group (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -4.64; 95% CI, -5.95 to -3.33; n = 8). More patients in the pramipexole group reported at least a 50% reduction in the IRLS score after treatment (risk ratio [RR] = 1.57; 95% CI, 1.43 to 1.73; n = 8). In terms of the scores for the Clinical Global Impression of Improvement scale (RR = 1.48; 95% CI, 1.31 to 1.66; n = 11) and the Patient Global Impression scale (RR = 1.54; 95% CI, 1.31 to 1.81; n = 9), treatment outcomes of the pramipexole group were significantly superior to those of the placebo group. In terms of the change in quality of life (WMD = 5.39; 95% CI, 2.28 to 8.50; n = 4), the change in daytime tiredness (WMD = -0.61; 95% CI, -1.21 to -0.01; n = 4), the change in the number of periodic limb movements per hour of sleep (WMD = -35.95; 95% CI, -56.42 to -15.48; n = 3), and the change in the quality of sleep (WMD = 3.60; 95% CI, 1.69 to 5.50; n = 6), the treatment outcomes of the pramipexole group were significantly superior to those of the placebo group.

IMPLICATIONS

This meta-analysis study indicated that pramipexole could effectively improve the symptoms of patients with primary moderate-to-severe RLS, although the quality of evidence was relatively low. Future clinical trials focusing on the medium-term and long-term treatment outcomes and using mainly objective indicators for evaluation are warranted. It is also necessary to pay close attention to augmentation during medication.

In the Clinic. Restless Legs Syndrome

This issue provides a clinical overview of restless legs syndrome, focusing on diagnosis, treatment, and practice improvement. The content of In the Clinic is drawn from the clinical information and education resources of the American College of Physicians (ACP), including MKSAP (Medical Knowledge and Self-Assessment Program). Annals of Internal Medicine editors develop In the Clinic in collaboration with the ACP's Medical Education and Publishing divisions and with the assistance of additional science writers and physician writers.

Association of low ferritin with PLM in the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort

OBJECTIVE

The origins of periodic leg movements (PLMs), a strong correlate of restless legs syndrome (RLS), are uncertain. This study was performed to assess the relationship between PLMs and peripheral iron deficiency, as measured with ferritin levels corrected for inflammation.

METHODS

We included a cross-sectional sample of a cohort study of 801 randomly selected people (n = 1008 assays, mean age 58.6 ± 0.3 years) from Wisconsin state employee agencies. A previously validated automatic detector was used to measure PLMs during sleep. The patients were categorized into RLS symptoms-positive and RLS symptoms-negative based on a mailed survey response and prior analysis. Analyses were performed using a linear model with PLM category above and below 15 PLM/h (periodic leg movement index, PLMI) as the dependent variable, and adjusting for known covariates, including previously associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within BTBD9, TOX3/BC034767, MEIS1, MAP2K5/SKOR1, and PTPRD. Ferritin and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured in serum, and ferritin levels corrected for inflammation using CRP levels.

RESULTS

After controlling for cofactors, PLMI ≥ 15 was associated with low (≤50 ng/mL) ferritin levels (OR = 1.55, p = 0.020). The best model was found using quasi-least squares regression of ferritin as a function of PLMI, with an increase of 0.0034 PLM/h predicted by a decrease of 1 ng/mL ferritin (p = 0.00447).

CONCLUSIONS

An association was found between low ferritin and greater PLMs in a general population of older adults, independent of genetic polymorphisms, suggesting a role of low iron stores in the expression of these phenotypes. Patients with high PLMI may require to be checked for iron deficiency.

Restless leg syndrome in pregnancy

Restless leg syndrome, more recently renamed Willis-Ekbom disease, is a condition that disrupts sleep and occurs more frequently in the pregnant population. We present a 39-year-old woman with restless legs syndrome in the third trimester and discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology and therapeutic options in the pregnant population while highlighting the challenges posed by the lack of safety data of approved drugs.

Oxycodone/Naloxone PR: A Review in Severe Refractory Restless Legs Syndrome

An oral, fixed-dose combination of prolonged-release (PR) oxycodone with PR naloxone (Targin(®), Targiniq(®), Targinact(®); hereafter referred to as oxycodone/naloxone PR) is approved in Europe for the second-line symptomatic treatment of patients with severe to very severe idiopathic restless legs syndrome (RLS), after failure of dopaminergic therapy. Coadministration of naloxone represents a targeted approach to counteracting opioid-induced bowel dysfunction without compromising therapeutic efficacy; because of its very low oral bioavailability, naloxone blocks the action of oxycodone at opioid receptors locally in the gut. The efficacy of oxycodone/naloxone PR in patients with severe RLS inadequately controlled by previous (mainly dopaminergic) treatment has been demonstrated in RELOXYN, a 12-week, randomized, double-blind study with a 40-week open-label extension. In this pivotal study, oxycodone/naloxone PR significantly improved RLS symptoms compared with placebo from week 2 onwards; a beneficial effect of oxycodone/naloxone PR was maintained through 1 year of treatment. Furthermore, improvements in RLS symptoms in oxycodone/naloxone PR recipients were accompanied by similarly sustained improvements in disease-specific quality of life and subjective sleep variables. Oxycodone/naloxone PR was generally well tolerated, with a treatment-related adverse event profile (e.g. gastrointestinal disorders, CNS disorders, fatigue and pruritus) that was consistent with that expected for opioid therapy. Notably, there were no confirmed cases of augmentation among oxycodone/naloxone PR recipients throughout the course of the study. Results from the well-designed RELOXYN trial have thus demonstrated the value of oxycodone/naloxone PR as a second-line therapy for severe refractory RLS; further investigation of this combination product as a first-line treatment for severe RLS is now warranted.

Prevalence of restless legs syndrome in somatoform pain disorder and its effect on quality of life

Background:

Persistent somatoform pain disorder (SPD) is a condition in which the patient suffers from persistent, severe and distressing pain; and from associated physical and psychological distress. While presence of restless leg syndrome (RLS) in SPD is understudied, their association might have an impact on general well-being and quality of life (QoL) in SPD.

Aims and Objectives:

Present study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of RLS in SPD patients attending outpatient department services at a tertiary care institute in eastern India.

Materials and Methods:

Two hundred and forty consecutive patients with SPD were screened initially and after applying appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria, 192 subjects (male = 85, female = 107) were included in the study. Severity of RLS was assessed using a questionnaire of the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group and QoL was measured on QoL Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire-Short Form (Q-LES-Q-SF).

Results:

Revealed a 28% prevalence of RLS is in patients with SPD, which is much higher than its estimated population prevalence. A larger proportion of those with RLS had continuous course of SPD, longer duration of SPD, and higher daytime sleepiness. They also had poorer scores on Q-LES-Q-SF, indicating a poorer QoL overall.

Discussion and Conclusion:

This is the first report, to the best of our knowledge, on this aspect from India. While this association between RLS and SPD may have biological explanation based on abnormal monoaminergic neurotransmission system, the findings call for more vigilant approach to SPD patients in order to improve their QoL and add to their well-being.

Quality measures for the care of adult patients with restless legs syndrome

ABSTRACT

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) commissioned several Workgroups to develop quality measures for the care of patients with common sleep disorders, including adults with restless legs syndrome (RLS). Using the AASM process for quality measure development, the RLS Work-group developed three target outcomes for RLS management, including improving the accuracy of diagnosis, reducing symptom severity, and minimizing treatment complications. Seven processes were developed to support these outcomes. To achieve the outcome of improving accuracy of diagnosis, the use of accepted diagnostic criteria and assessment of iron stores are recommended. To realize the outcome of decreasing symptom severity, routine assessment of severity and provision of evidence-based treatment are recommended. To support the outcome of minimizing treatment complications, counseling about potential side effects and assessing for augmentation and impulse control disorders, when indicated, are recommended. Further research is needed to validate optimal practice processes to achieve best outcomes in adult patients with RLS.

What patients do to counteract the symptoms of Willis-Ekbom disease (RLS/WED): Effect of gender and severity of illness

Objectives:

This study was carried out to assess different counteracting strategies used by patients with idiopathic Willis-Ekbom disease (RLS/WED). Whether these strategies were influenced by gender or disease severity was also assessed.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 173 patients of idiopathic RLS/WED were included in this study. Their demographic data was recorded. Details regarding the RLS/WED and strategies that they used to counteract the symptoms were asked. The severity of RLS/WED was measured with the help of the Hindi version of international restless legs syndrome severity rating scale. They were asked to provide the details regarding the relief obtained from all the strategies they used on three-point scale: no relief, some relief, and complete relief.

Results:

Of the patients, 72% were females. Mean age of the subjects in this study was 39.6 ± 12.6 years, and male subjects were older than females. Four common strategies were reported by the patients to counter the sensations of RLS/WED: moving legs while in bed (85.5%), asking somebody to massage their legs or massaging legs themselves (76.9%), walking (53.2%), and tying a cloth/rope tightly on the legs (39.3%). Of all the patients who moved their legs, 6.7% did not experience any relief, 64.2% reported some relief, and 28.4% reported complete relief. Similarly, of all the patients who used “walking” to counteract symptoms, 50% reported complete relief, 44.5% reported some relief, and the rest did not experience any relief. Many of these patients reported that massage and tying a cloth/rope on legs brought greater relief than any of these strategies. Tying cloth on the leg was more common among females as compared to males (45.9% females vs. 23.5% males; χ² = 7.54; P = 0.006), while patients with moderately severe to severe RLS/WED reported “moving legs in bed” (79.3% in mild to moderate RLS/WED; 91.8% in severe to very severe RLS; χ² = 5.36; P = 0.02).

Conclusion:

Patients with RLS/WED use a variety of strategies to counteract symptoms. These strategies may be influenced by gender, disease severity, and cultural practices.

Diagnosis and management of sleep disorders in posttraumatic stress disorder:a review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

International and societal conflicts and natural disasters can leave physical and mental scars in people who are directly affected by these traumatic experiences. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the clinical manifestation of these experiences in the form of re-experiencing the trauma, avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, and persistent symptoms of hyperarousal. There is growing evidence that sleep disruption that occurs following trauma exposure may in fact contribute to the pathophysiology of PTSD and poor clinical outcomes. The purpose of this review is to highlight the importance of recognition and management of sleep disorders in patients with PTSD.

DATA SOURCES

English-language, adult research studies published between 1985 and April 2014 were identified via the PubMed database. The search terms used were PTSD AND sleep disorders.

STUDY SELECTION

The search identified 792 original and review articles. Of these, 53 articles that discussed or researched sleep disorders in PTSD were selected. Fourteen randomized controlled trials of therapy for PTSD are included in this review.

RESULTS

Impaired sleep is a common complaint mainly in the form of nightmares and insomnia among people with PTSD. Sleep apnea and periodic limb movement disorder are particularly prevalent in patients with PTSD and, yet, remain unrecognized. Although selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are effective in improving PTSD global symptoms, they have a variable and modest effect on sleep disorder symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral treatment targeted to sleep and/or the use of the centrally acting selective α1 antagonist prazosin have been more successful in treating insomnia and nightmares in PTSD than other classes of medications. In view of the high occurrence of sleep apnea and periodic leg movement disorder, a thorough sleep evaluation and treatment are warranted.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with PTSD have a high prevalence of sleep disorders and should be queried for insomnia, nightmares, periodic limb movement disorder, and sleep-disordered breathing.

Sleep disruption in hematopoietic cell transplantation recipients: prevalence, severity, and clinical management

Sleep disruption is common among hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients, with over 50% of recipients experiencing sleep disruption pre-transplant, with up to 82% of patients experiencing moderate to severe sleep disruption during hospitalization for transplant and up to 43% after transplant. These rates of sleep disruption are substantially higher than what we see in the general population. Although sleep disruption can be distressing to patients and contribute to diminished quality of life, it is rarely discussed during clinical visits. The goal of the current review is to draw attention to sleep disruption and disorders (ie, insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome) as a clinical problem in HCT in order to facilitate patient education, intervention, and research. We identified 35 observational studies published in the past decade that examined sleep disruption or disorders in HCT. Most studies utilized a single item measure of sleep, had small sample size, and included heterogeneous samples of patients. Six studies of the effects of psychosocial and exercise interventions on sleep in HCT have reported no significant improvements. These results highlight the need for rigorous observational and interventional studies of sleep disruption and disorders in HCT recipients..

Restless leg syndrome: a neglected diagnosis

Context:

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is an irresistible urge to move legs that usually occur during inactivity and at night. This neurologic condition is associated with increased risk of nocturnal hypertension as well as cardiovascular events and affects patient’s sleep, which leads to anxiety, depression, and decreases quality of life. Presence of RLS in patients on hemodialysis is associated with higher mortality rate. Most of the times, patients have indescribable symptoms. The aim of this review was to provide physicians with information to be aware and turn their attention to the patient’s symptoms, which are the most important clue to diagnosis of RLS.

Evidence Acquisition:

For data extraction, we reviewed PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar, the Cochrane collaboration, and Up to Date databases with the keywords of restless legs syndrome, sleep disorders, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The most recent review articles, clinical trials, and cross-sectional studies with large sample sizes that had used International RLS Study Group criteria (IRLSSG) and had focused on demographic characteristics and renal function were included. This situation has described in primary and secondary forms. The former usually occurs in younger patients and seems to have genetic tendencies and the latter is due to the iron deficiency state, pregnancy, and ESRD.

Results:

Two major theories are developed regarding the pathophysiology of RLS. The first one concerns central nervous system dopamine imbalance and the second one concerns intracellular iron dysregulation. The most common used pharmacologic agents in treatment of RLS are dopamine agonists. Other used therapeutic agents include levodopa, Alpha-2-delta calcium channel ligands, opioids, anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, clonidine, iron therapy in low levels of serum ferritin, and nonpharmacologic therapies.

Conclusions:

The most important factor in diagnosis is physician’s attention and clinical experience with this condition and using IRLSSG.

Diagnosis, comorbidities, and management of restless legs syndrome

OBJECTIVE

This narrative review describes the differential diagnosis of restless legs syndrome, and provides an overview of the evidence for the associations between RLS and potential comorbidities. Secondary causes of RLS and the characteristics of pediatric RLS are also discussed. Finally, management strategies for RLS are summarized.

METHODS

The review began with a comprehensive PubMed search for 'restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease' in combination with the following: anxiety, arthritis, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, cardiac, cardiovascular disease, comorbidities, depression, end-stage renal disease, erectile dysfunction, fibromyalgia, insomnia, kidney disease, liver disease, migraine, mood disorder, multiple sclerosis, narcolepsy, neuropathy, obesity, pain, Parkinson's disease, polyneuropathy, pregnancy, psychiatric disorder, sleep disorder, somatoform pain disorder, and uremia. Additional papers were identified by reviewing the reference lists of retrieved publications.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Although clinical diagnosis of RLS can be straightforward, diagnostic challenges may arise when patients present with comorbid conditions. Comorbidities of RLS include insomnia, depressive and anxiety disorders, and pain disorders. Differential diagnosis is particularly important, as some of the medications used to treat insomnia and depression may exacerbate RLS symptoms. Appropriate diagnosis and management of RLS symptoms may benefit patient well-being and, in some cases, may lessen comorbid disease burden. Therefore, it is important that physicians are aware of the presence of RLS when treating patients with conditions that commonly co-occur with the disorder.

Augmentation in restless legs syndrome patients in Korea

PURPOSE

Augmentation has been known as the major complication of long-term dopaminergic treatment of restless legs syndrome (RLS). However, there have been no reports on the prevalence of augmentation in Korea. Thus, we aimed to assess the rate of augmentation and evaluate related factors in Korean RLS patients.

METHODS

Ninety-four idiopathic RLS patients who have been treated over a period of at least 6 months were enrolled. Thirty subjects were treated with a dopamine agonist only, and 64 were treated with a dopamine agonist and alpha two delta ligands. We assessed the clinical characteristics of those RLS subjects and evaluated the rate of augmentation. Augmentation was assessed using the NIH criteria for augmentation by two RLS experts independently.

RESULTS

Eleven subjects (11.7%) were classified as having definitive or highly suggestive clinical indication of augmentation. In comparing the augmentation group with the non-augmentation group, there were no significant differences of baseline clinical characteristics. Four (13.3%) of the dopamine agonists monotherapy group and seven (10.9%) of the combination therapy group were categorized as augmentation. There was no significant difference in the augmentation rate between these two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We found an 11.7% augmentation rate in Korean RLS subjects. There was no difference in the rate of RLS augmentation between the dopaminergic monotherapy group and the combined treatment group. It may be related with using a similar dosage of dopaminergic drugs.

Recommendations of the Sleep Study Group of the Italian Dementia Research Association (SINDem) on clinical assessment and management of sleep disorders in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and dementia: a clinical review

Clinical assessment and management of sleep disturbances in patients with mild cognitive impairment and dementia has important clinical and social implications. Poor sleep results in an increased risk of morbidities and mortality in demented patients and is a source of stress for caregivers. Sleep disturbances show high prevalence in mild cognitive impairment and dementia patients and they are often associated one to another in the same patient. A careful clinical evaluation of sleep disorders should be performed routinely in the clinical setting of individuals with cognitive decline. The Sleep Study Group of the Italian Dementia Research Association (SINDem) reviewed evidence from original research articles, meta-analyses and systematic reviews published up to December 2013. The evidence was classified in quality levels (I, II, III) and strength of recommendations (A, B, C, D, E). Where there was a lack of evidence, but clear consensus, good practice points were provided. These recommendations may not be appropriate for all circumstances and should therefore be adopted only after a patient's individual characteristics have been carefully evaluated.

Relationship between hepcidin levels and periodic limb movement disorder in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

PURPOSE

This study was aimed to assess potential correlations between periodic leg movement (PLM) index, hepcidin levels, and iron status in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

METHODS

Forty-four newly diagnosed OSAS patients and 49 non-apneic controls were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent polysomnographic evaluation. The hepcidin, iron, ferritin, total iron binding capacity, and C-reactive protein levels were measured.

RESULTS

The mean age was 47.4 ± 7.2 years (18-68) in the OSAS group and 44.9 ± 11.1 years (23-65) in the control group. There were no differences in age, gender, and smoking between OSAS patients and controls. Mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 25.1 events/h. Mean serum hepcidin levels were significantly higher in OSAS subjects (725.9 ng/ml) than in control subjects (646.0 ng/ml) (p < 0.001). Serum iron levels were significantly lower in the OSAS and PLM disorder groups than in control subjects (p < 0.001). Serum hepcidin levels were significantly correlated with AHI (r = 0.453) and PLM index (r = 0.114). Serum iron levels were significantly negatively correlated with AHI (r = -0.169) and PLM index (r = -0.180).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, the level of hepcidin was increased in patients with OSAS. Our study indicates that levels of hepcidin correlate with the AHI and PLM index severity of OSAS.

Restless legs syndrome and pregnancy: a review

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sensorimotor neurological disorder that is diagnosed according to the revised criteria of the International RLS Study Group (IRLSSG). The pathophysiology of RLS is still unknown and its prevalence is influenced by ethnicity, age, and gender. RLS is divided into two types by etiology: primary or idiopathic and secondary. Primary RLS is strongly influenced by a genetic component while secondary RLS is caused by other associated conditions such as end-stage renal disease or peripheral neuropathy. Another common condition associated with RLS is pregnancy. The prevalence of RLS during pregnancy is two to three times higher than in the normal population and is influenced by the trimester and the number of parity. The main mechanisms that may contribute to the pathophysiology of RLS during pregnancy are hormonal changes and iron and folate status. Standard medications for treating RLS during pregnancy are not established. Most medications have been used according to the evidence from non-pregnant patients. Therefore, consideration of the medical treatment for treating RLS during pregnancy should be balanced between the benefit of relieving the symptoms and maternal and fetal risk. In general, the prognosis of RLS during pregnancy is good and symptoms are usually relieved after delivery.

Addressing sleep disturbances: an opportunity to prevent cardiometabolic disease?

There is increasing awareness of the role of sleep disturbance as an important factor in health and disease. Although sub-clinical sleep disturbances (insufficient sleep duration or inadequate sleep quality) may be difficult to assess with conceptual and/or methodological clarity, this review attempts to summarize and synthesize these findings. First, the concept of sleep disturbance in a public health context is introduced, to provide context and rationale. Second, operational definitions of 'cardiometabolic disease' and 'sleep disturbance' are offered, to address many unclear operationalizations. Third, the extant literature is summarized regarding short or long sleep duration and/or insufficient sleep, insomnia and insomnia symptoms, general (non-specific sleep disturbances), circadian rhythm abnormalities that result in sleep disturbances, and, briefly, sleep-disordered breathing. Fourth, the review highlights the social/behavioural context of sleep, including discussions of sleep and race/ethnicity, socio-economic position, and other social/environmental factors, in order to place these findings in a social-environmental context relevant to public health. Fifth, the review highlights the issue of sleep as a domain of health behaviour and addresses issues regarding development of healthy sleep interventions. Finally, a research agenda of future directions is proposed.

Treatment of restless legs syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common disorder diagnosed by the clinical characteristics of restlessness in the legs associated often with abnormal sensations that start at rest and are improved by activity, occurring with a diurnal pattern of worsened symptoms at night and improvement in the morning. RLS is the cause of impaired quality of life in those more severely afflicted. Treatment of RLS has undergone considerable change over the last few years. Several classes of medications have demonstrated efficacy, including the dopaminergic agents and the alpha-2-delta ligands. Levodopa was the first dopaminergic agent found to be successful. However, chronic use of levodopa is frequently associated with augmentation that is defined as an earlier occurrence of symptoms frequently associated with worsening severity and sometimes spread to other body areas. The direct dopamine agonists, including ropinirole, pramipexole, and rotigotine patch, are also effective, although side effects, including daytime sleepiness, impulse control disorders, and augmentation, may limit usefulness. The alpha-2-delta ligands, including gabapentin, gabapentin enacarbil, and pregabalin, are effective for RLS without known occurrence of augmentation or impulse control disorders, although sedation and dizziness can occur. Other agents, including the opioids and clonazepam do not have sufficient evidence to recommend them as treatment for RLS, although in an individual patient, they may provide benefit.

Treatment of the sleep disorders associated with Parkinson's disease

Sleep disorders are common in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and preliminary work has suggested viable treatment options for many of these disorders. For rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, melatonin and clonazepam are most commonly used, while rivastigmine might be a useful option in patients whose behaviors are refractory to the former. Optimal treatments for insomnia in PD have yet to be determined, but preliminary evidence suggests that cognitive-behavioral therapy, light therapy, eszopiclone, donepezil, and melatonin might be beneficial. Use of the wake-promoting agent modafinil results in significant improvement in subjective measures of excessive daytime sleepiness, but not of fatigue. Optimal treatment of restless legs syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea in PD are not yet established, although a trial of continuous positive airway pressure for sleep apnea was recently completed in PD patients. In those patients with early morning motor dysfunction and disrupted sleep, the rotigotine patch provides significant benefit.

Diagnostic and management approach to common sleep disorders during pregnancy

The significance for maternal and fetal health of gestational obstructive sleep apnea, primary insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy are summarized. The pathophysiology, signs, symptoms, and basic Sleep Medicine concepts that assist the obstetrician in suspecting these 4 conditions are described. Where appropriate, initial management options are also outlined. Referral guidelines to a Sleep Medicine specialist are included when further diagnostic, severity assessment, and management suggestions are needed.

Treatment of restless legs syndrome

OPINION STATEMENT

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common, sensorimotor, circadian sleep disorder characterized by the urge to move the legs, particularly at nighttime. It is important to differentiate primary and secondary RLS from other conditions, which can mimic the symptoms of RLS, in particular neuropathy and cramps. Despite considerable advances, the understanding of RLS pathophysiology remains incomplete. Many hypotheses focus on central nervous system structures, although there is increasing evidence that peripheral structures may also be important. There is insufficient evidence at the moment to recommend changes in lifestyle, nutritional supplements and any specific nonpharmacologic treatments. The first-line drugs continue to be dopaminergic medications, including pramipexole, ropinirole, rotigotine transdermal patch and levodopa. However, the phenomenon of RLS augmentation, a paradoxical worsening of symptoms by dopaminergic treatment remains as major problem in treatment of RLS, and prevention of augmentation is one of the main goals in the management of RLS. RLS requires treatment only if it has a significant impact on the patient's nighttime sleep or daily activities. Doses of dopamine agonists should be kept to the minimum required for acceptable symptom reduction. Augmentation may require treatment withdrawal, with prescription of alternate medication. Alternative or additional pharmacologic treatment with a lower level of overall quality of evidence includes opioids (codeine, tramadol, and oxycodone) and anticonvulsants (gabapentin, gabapentin enacarbil, and pregabalin). The choice of the medication should be based on the severity of RLS and the effectiveness of medication for the short-term or long-term treatment of RLS. Iron deficiency must be identified at diagnosis; treatment may improve RLS symptoms and potentially may lower risk of augmentation. There is no clear evidence for treatment of secondary RLS, but agents used in primary RLS should be tried. Comparative long-term trials are required to assess differences in efficacy and augmentation rates between medications used for treatment of RLS.

Combining a dopamine agonist and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor for the treatment of depression: a double-blind, randomized pilot study

BACKGROUND

Antidepressants that act on two or more amine neurotransmitters may confer higher remission rates when first-line agents affecting a single neurotransmitter have failed. Pramipexole, a dopamine agonist, has antidepressant effects in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). This pilot study examined the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with pramipexole and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) escitalopram in MDD.

METHODS

In this double-blind, controlled, pilot study, 39 patients with DSM-IV MDD who had failed to respond to a standard antidepressant treatment trial were randomized to receive pramipexole (n=13), escitalopram (n=13), or their combination (n=13) for six weeks. Pramipexole was started at 0.375 mg/day and titrated weekly up to 2.25 mg/day; escitalopram dosage remained at 10 mg/day. The primary outcome measure was the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS).

RESULTS

Subjects receiving pramipexole monotherapy had significantly lower MADRS scores than the combination group (p=0.01); no other primary drug comparisons were significant. The combination group had a substantially higher dropout rate than the escitalopram and pramipexole groups (69%, 15%, 15%, respectively). Only 15% of patients in the combination group tolerated regularly scheduled increases of pramipexole throughout the study, compared with 46% of patients in the pramipexole group.

LIMITATIONS

Group size was small and the treatment phase lasted for only six weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of an SSRI and a dopamine agonist was not more effective than either agent alone, nor did it produce a more rapid onset of antidepressant action. Combination therapy with escitalopram and pramipexole may not be well-tolerated.

Review: management of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most frequent neurological diseases. Despite the modern imaging and nuclear techniques which help to diagnose it in a very early stage and lead to a better discrimination of similar diseases, PD has remained a clinical diagnosis. The increasing number of available treatment options makes the disease management often complicated even when the presence of PD seems undoubted. In addition, nonmotor symptoms and side effects of some therapies constitute some pitfalls already in the preclinical state or at the beginnings of the disease, especially with the progressive effect on patients. Therefore, this review aimed to summarize study results and depict recommended medical treatments for the most common motor and nonmotor symptoms in PD. Additionally, emerging new therapeutic options such as continuous pump therapies, eg, with apomorphine or parenteral levodopa, or the implantation of electrodes for deep brain stimulation were also considered.

Parkinson disease: an update

BACKGROUND

Over the past decade, the treatment of Parkinson disease (PD) has undergone tremendous changes. New drugs have been introduced to manage the cardinal motor symptoms of PD, and other agents have been borrowed to treat the nonmotor manifestations of the illness. For neurologists faced with the task of treating PD patients, the available array of medications may be confusing and intimidating.

REVIEW SUMMARY

In this review, I summarize the newest approved medications for the treatment of PD, including the new dopamine agonists and catechol-O-methyl-transferase inhibitors. I also describe agents that are used to treat common problems in PD patients, including hallucinations, orthostasis, nausea, erectile dysfunction, depression, and memory loss. Guidelines for handling common scenarios in PD patients will be illustrated by 10 case histories. Finally, the most promising PD drugs that are currently in development will be reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

Neurologists have a vast armamentarium to treat both motor and nonmotor manifestations of PD. Understanding this array allows the astute clinician to improve the lives of their patients with PD.