Restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movements of sleep: fact, fad, and fiction

Restless legs syndrome in end stage renal disease patients on haemodialysis

Objective: This study was cross sectional survey conducted to find the prevalence of Restless legs syndrome (RLS) in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on haemodialysis (HD).

Methods: Data were obtained from 250 patients on chronic maintenance HD. To assess the prevalence of RLS, Clinical diagnostic criteria for RLS was used which is established by the International RLS Study Group.

Results: Total 250 patients were included in this study. 153 (61.2%) patients were male and 97 (38.8%) were females. Mean age of the patients was 45.27 years. Mean duration of HD was 26.10 months. Total162 (64.8%) patients were found to be suffering from RLS. Out of 153 males, 87(56%) were suffering from RLS and among 97 females, 75(77.3%) were suffering from RLS. In our study, gender was statistically significantly associated with RLS (p-value 0.001). In age groups 159(63.6%) patients were below 51 years; among them 102(64.1%) were suffering from RLS; whereas 91(36.4%) patients were equal or above 51 years of age and among this group 60(65.9%) patients were suffering from RLS. There was no statistically significant association between RLS and age groups (p-value 0.776).

Conclusions: RLS is common in patients undergoing regular HD. It is more commonly seen in females.

Restless legs syndrome: a review

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the limbs accompanied by uncomfortable sensations, leading to sleep disturbances. It is associated with psychiatric comorbidities and a decreased quality of life. RLS is common and most severe among females and the elderly. It may be primary or secondary to other conditions and may be familial. Linkage to several chromosomal loci have been demonstrated. The pathogenesis of RLS involves dopaminergic dysfunction, iron metabolism, and abnormalities in supraspinal inhibition. The mainstay of RLS therapy are dopamine agonists or levodopa. This article reviews the clinical characteristics, epidemiology, diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment of RLS.