Characterization of the central nervous system penetrant and selective purine P2X7 receptor antagonist JNJ-54175446 in patients with major depressive disorder

JNJ-54175446 is a selective purine P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) antagonist that attenuates microglial IL-1β/IL-18 release. In healthy volunteers, JNJ-54175446 suppressed peripheral interleukin (IL)-1β release, and attenuated dexamphetamine-induced improvements of mood and (visuo)motor performance in a human dexamphetamine-challenge paradigm. In depression, P2X7R inhibition may dampen immune-related dysregulation of mood. These results suggest that the impact of P2X7R inhibition is most prominent in situations where mood regulation is disrupted. Total sleep deprivation (TSD) results in an acute emotional perturbation, which yields a transient antidepressant effect. In the current study, TSD was applied as a behavioral challenge to investigate whether such effects could be modulated by JNJ-54175446. This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study to assess the safety and pharmacokinetics of JNJ-54175446 and explore its effects in patients with single episode and recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD) (N = 69) and baseline total Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Clinician Rated (IDS-C) > 30. Patients were randomized to receive JNJ-54175446 throughout the 10-day treatment period, placebo for days 1-3 followed by JNJ-54175446 or placebo throughout. All patients underwent 36 h of TSD starting on day three until the evening of day four. The early start group was hypothesized to experience a reduced effect from TSD whilst the late starting group was hypothesized to experience prolonged effects from the TSD. JNJ-54175446 was well-tolerated and adverse events were mild to moderate. JNJ-54175446 reduced IL-1β release by LPS-stimulated peripheral white blood cells in the presence of the P2X receptor agonist benzyl adenosine triphosphate (BzATP). JNJ-54175446 did not have a significant effect on mood as assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, 17 items (HDRS17) and the Self-rated Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (QIDS-SR). However, JNJ-54175446 blunted an acute reduction of anhedonia that occurred as a result of TSD, assessed by the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) and the Probabilistic Instrumental Learning Task (PILT).

Summary of Research: Development and Validation of the Insomnia Daytime Symptoms and Impacts Questionnaire (IDSIQ)

This is a summary of the original article 'Development and Validation of the Insomnia Daytime Symptoms and Impacts Questionnaire (IDSIQ)'. Individuals with insomnia are best positioned to assess the impact of insomnia on their quality of life. Patient reported outcomes (PROs) are self-reported health measures created to allow people to record their experience of their disease. Chronic insomnia has a major impact on daytime functioning for patients, and on their quality of life. This summary of research provides an overview of a previously published article detailing the development and evaluation of the Insomnia Daytime Symptoms and Impacts Questionnaire (IDSIQ), as a tool to allow people with insomnia to report their experience of the impact on their daytime functioning.

Solriamfetol real world experience study (SURWEY): Initiation, titration, safety, effectiveness, and experience during follow-up for patients with narcolepsy from Germany

BACKGROUND

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a core narcolepsy symptom, for which solriamfetol (Sunosi®) was recently approved in the European Union. SURWEY characterises real-world strategies used by physicians when initiating solriamfetol, and patient outcomes after follow-up.

METHODS

SURWEY is an ongoing retrospective chart review conducted by physicians in Germany/France/Italy. Here, data are reported from 70 German patients with EDS and narcolepsy. Eligibility included age ≥18 years, reached a stable solriamfetol dose, and completed ≥6 weeks of treatment. Patients were classified (based on existing EDS treatment) into changeover, add-on, or new-to-therapy subgroups.

RESULTS

Patients' mean ± SD age was 36.9 ± 13.9 years. Changeover from prior EDS medication was the most common initiation strategy. Initial solriamfetol dose was typically 75 mg/day (69%). In 30 patients (43%), solriamfetol was titrated; 27/30 (90%) completed titration as prescribed, most within 7 days. Mean ± SD Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score was 17.6 ± 3.1 at initiation (n = 61) and 13.6 ± 3.8 at follow-up (n = 51). Slight/strong improvements in EDS were perceived for >90% of patients (patient and physician report). Sixty-two percent reported an effect duration of 6 to <10 h; 72% reported no change in perceived nighttime sleep quality. Common adverse events included headache (9%), decreased appetite (6%), and insomnia (6%); no cardiovascular events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients in this study were switched from a prior EDS medication to solriamfetol. Solriamfetol was typically initiated at 75 mg/day; titration was common. ESS scores improved after initiation, and most patients perceived improvement in EDS. Common adverse events were consistent with those reported in clinical trials.

CLINICALTRIALS

GOV REGISTRATION

N/A.

Long-Term Safety and Tolerability of Daridorexant in Patients with Insomnia Disorder

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Daridorexant is a dual orexin receptor antagonist for the treatment of insomnia. In two phase III, 12-week studies in patients with insomnia disorder, daridorexant improved sleep and daytime functioning while maintaining a favorable safety profile. The objective of this 40-week extension study was to assess the long-term safety and tolerability of daridorexant.

METHODS

Adults with insomnia disorder who completed the 12-week studies were invited to enroll in this double-blind extension study. Patients originally randomised to daridorexant (10 mg/25 mg/50 mg) remained on their respective treatments; patients randomised to placebo were re-randomised to daridorexant 25 mg or placebo. The 40-week treatment period was followed by a 7-day placebo run-out. The primary objective was to assess safety/tolerability. Exploratory objectives were to evaluate the efficacy of daridorexant on sleep (self-reported total sleep time) and daytime functioning (Insomnia Daytime Symptoms and Impacts Questionnaire).

RESULTS

In total, 804 patients were enrolled in the study, of whom 801 received at least one dose of the study treatment and 550 patients (68.4%) completed the study. Overall incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events was similar across groups (35-40%). Daridorexant did not induce next-morning sleepiness and no withdrawal-related symptoms or rebound were observed after treatment discontinuation. Improvements in sleep and daytime functioning were maintained through to the end of the study and were most pronounced with daridorexant 50 mg. Daridorexant 50 mg, compared with placebo, increased self-reported total sleep time by a least-squares mean of 20.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.2, 36.5), 15.8 (95% CI - 0.8, 32.5) and 17.8 (95% CI - 0.4, 35.9) minutes and decreased (i.e., improved) Insomnia Daytime Symptoms and Impacts Questionnaire total scores by a least-squares mean of - 9.3 (95% CI - 15.1, - 3.6), - 9.5 (95% CI - 15.4, - 3.5) and - 9.1 (95% CI - 15.6, - 2.7), at weeks 12, 24 and 36 of the extension study, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with daridorexant, for up to 12 months, was generally safe and well tolerated. Exploratory efficacy analyses suggest that the sustained improvements in sleep and daytime functioning with daridorexant 50 mg support its use for long-term treatment of insomnia disorder, without concerns of new safety signals.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03679884) [first posted: 21 September, 2018], https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03679884 .

039 Solriamfetol real world experience study (SURWEY): safety and effectiveness for patients with narcolepsy from Germany

Introduction

Solriamfetol is a dopamine/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor approved in the EU for excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) associated with narcolepsy. This real-world study characterises outcomes following solriamfetol initiation.

Methods

SURWEY is an ongoing retrospective chart review (Germany, France, Italy). Patients (≥18 years old, EDS due to narcolepsy, stable solriamfetol dose, ≥6 weeks of treatment) were classified by solriamfe- tol initiation: changeover (from existing EDS medications), add-on (to current EDS medication), or new- to-therapy (no current/prior EDS medication). Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores, patient/physician impressions of improvement, and adverse events (AEs) were assessed.

Results

Among 78 German patients (36.9±13.9 years old; 56% female, 57% with cataplexy), changeo- ver was most common (n=43), followed by add-on (n=19) and new-to-therapy (n=8). Final follow-up was 15.9±7.0 weeks after initiation. Overall, ESS scores were 17.6±3.1 (n=61) at initiation and 13.6±3.8 at follow-up (n=51), indicating improvement of EDS (improvements similar across subgroups). Most patients perceived slight/strong improvements in their condition (physician report, 94%; patient report, 91%; results similar across subgroups). Common AEs: headache (9%), decreased appetite (6%), insomnia (6%).

Conclusion

In this real-world cohort of German patients with narcolepsy, EDS improved across all subgroups with solriamfetol treatment. AEs were consistent with those reported in clinical trials.

Support

Jazz Pharmaceuticals.

Development and Validation of the Insomnia Daytime Symptoms and Impacts Questionnaire (IDSIQ)

Background and Objective

Chronic insomnia has major consequences for daytime functioning, yet no fully validated patient-reported outcome instrument for once-daily assessments is available to measure these consequences. This study describes the development and psychometric evaluation of the Insomnia Daytime Symptoms and Impacts Questionnaire (IDSIQ).

Methods

The Daytime Insomnia Symptom Scale (DISS), an existing 20-item instrument for assessing daytime functioning, was modified to give an 18-item version of the IDSIQ (IDSIQ-18) based on iterative qualitative interviews with 54 subjects with insomnia and expert input. The construct validity and other psychometric properties of the IDSIQ-18 were analyzed based on an interventional study (NCT03056053) in which subjects with insomnia received zolpidem (5 or 10 mg) daily for 2 weeks and an observational study among subjects with no diagnosis of insomnia (good sleepers). Participants in both studies completed the IDSIQ-18 daily for 2 weeks. Exit interviews were conducted with a sample of subjects who completed the interventional study to elicit concepts defining the experience of insomnia, to assess understanding of the response scales, and to determine meaningful change thresholds. Exploratory factor analysis and Rasch analysis were conducted to further assess the structure and latent model for the scoring of the final IDSIQ instrument. Further psychometric evaluation of the final IDSIQ was then conducted.

Results

Subjects in both the interventional study (N = 114) and observational study (N = 103) were predominantly female (65% for subjects with insomnia and 60% for good sleepers). Mean age was 51 years for subjects with insomnia and 45 years for good sleepers. Subjects in the exit interviews (N = 41) demonstrated a good understanding of the IDSIQ-18 response scales. Day 1 mean scores were higher (worse) in subjects with insomnia compared with good sleepers. Based on inter-item correlation, exploratory factor, and Rasch analyses and review of the qualitative data, four items were removed. This yielded the final IDSIQ, with 14 items comprising three domains: Alert/Cognition, Mood, and Sleepiness. The domain structure was determined in a confirmatory factor analysis. Evidence of internal consistency reliability was strong: day 1 Cronbach’s alpha was 0.917 for IDSIQ total score and 0.806–0.918 for the domains. Test-retest reliability, assessed for subjects with insomnia with no change on the Patient Global Assessment of Disease Severity scale between day 1 and day 8, was also good (intra-class correlation coefficient 0.856–0.911). Meaningful change thresholds derived for this sample using anchor-based approaches were 20 for IDSIQ total score, 9 for the Alert/Cognition domain, 4 for the Mood domain, and 4 for the Sleepiness domain.

Conclusions

These studies, which closely followed Food and Drug Administration Guidance for Industry on patient-reported outcome measures, support use of the IDSIQ as a fit-for-purpose measure for deriving valid and reliable endpoints in insomnia clinical research trials and real-world studies.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s40271-020-00474-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effects of Solriamfetol on Quality-of-Life Measures from a 12-Week Phase 3 Randomized Controlled Trial

Rationale: Excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea is associated with substantial burden of illness.Objectives: To assess treatment effects of solriamfetol, a dopamine/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, on daily functioning, health-related quality of life, and work productivity in participants with obstructive sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness as additional outcomes in a 12-week phase 3 trial (www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02348606).Methods: Participants (N = 476) were randomized to solriamfetol 37.5, 75, 150, or 300 mg or to placebo. Outcome measures included the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire short version, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: Specific Health Problem, and 36-item Short Form Health Survey version 2. A mixed-effects model with repeated measures was used for comparisons with placebo.Results: Demographics, baseline disease characteristics, daily functioning, health-related quality of life, and work productivity were similar across groups. At Week 12, increased functioning and decreased impairment were observed with solriamfetol 150 and 300 mg (mean difference from placebo [95% confidence interval]) on the basis of Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire total score (1.22 [0.57 to 1.88] and 1.47 [0.80 to 2.13], respectively), overall work impairment (-11.67 [-19.66 to -3.69] and -11.75 [-19.93 to -3.57], respectively), activity impairment (-10.42 [-16.37 to -4.47] and -10.51 [-16.59 to -4.43], respectively), physical component summary (2.07 [0.42 to 3.72] and 1.91 [0.22 to 3.59], respectively), and mental component summary (150 mg only, 2.05 [0.14 to 3.96]). Common adverse events were headache, nausea, decreased appetite, and anxiety.Conclusions: Solriamfetol improved measures of functioning, quality of life, and work productivity in participants with obstructive sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness. Safety was consistent with previous studies.Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02348606).

Polyethylenimine based magnetic nanoparticles mediated non-viral CRISPR/Cas9 system for genome editing

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas9) system has become a revolutionary tool for gene editing. Since viral delivery systems have significant side effects, and naked DNA delivery is not an option, the nontoxic, non-viral delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 components would significantly improve future therapeutic delivery. In this study, we aim at characterizing nanoparticles to deliver plasmid DNA encoding for the CRISPR-Cas system in eukaryotic cells in vitro. CRISPR/Cas9 complexed polyethylenimine (PEI) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were generated. We used a stable HEK293 cell line expressing the traffic light reporter (TLR-3) system to evaluate efficient homology- directed repair (HDR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) events following transfection with NPs. MNPs have been synthesized by co-precipitation with the average particle size around 20 nm in diameter. The dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements showed that NPs exhibited narrow size distribution and sufficient colloidal stability. Genome editing events were as efficient as compared to standard lipofectamine transfection. Our approach tested non-viral delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 and DNA template to perform HDR and NHEJ in the same assay. We demonstrated that PEI-MNPs is a promising delivery system for plasmids encoding CRISPR/Cas9 and template DNA and thus can improve safety and utility of gene editing.

Clinically relevant cut-off values for the Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale-2 (PDSS-2): a validation study

BACKGROUND

Sleep disturbances are a major problem encountered by neurologists attending Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. The Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale-2 (PDSS-2) assesses a wide spectrum of disease-specific sleep problems and is easy to administer as a patient self-rating scale. The validation study showed that the scale is reliable, valid, and precise. Until now, however, only one Japanese study has assessed cut-off scores to define poor sleepers.

OBJECTIVES

In this context we aimed to determine the PDSS-2 cut-off values that define a sleep disturbance severe enough to require referral of the patient to a sleep center or the need for specific treatment.

METHODS

Inpatients with idiopathic PD consecutively admitted to our hospital were enrolled. Patients completed the PDSS-2. The attending physician, who was blinded to the PDSS-2 results, but familiar with the patients' history and current disease status, completed a questionnaire consisting of two general questions on the presence of PD-specific and non-PD related sleep problems. Statistical analysis was performed to determine cut-off values for the PDSS-2 and correlation with the physician's evaluation of sleep disturbance severity. A natural cohort of non-PD patients with sleep disorders represented the control group.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 52 (56%) men and 41 (44%) women with an average age of 69.22 ± 8.74 years. PDSS-2 showed a sensitivity of 77.6% and a specificity of 74.3% in relation to physician's evaluation of PD-specific sleep problems. According to the physician's evaluation, PD-specific sleep disturbances occurred in 62% of the patients. 83% of patients with PDSS-2 scores ≥18 had clinically relevant sleep disturbances compared to only 33% of PD patients with scores <18. The severity of PD-specific sleep problems was well correlated with the PDSS-2 total score (r = 0.49).

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study to define PDSS-2 cut-off values for the severity of sleep disturbances in a European PD sample. Our study shows that scores ≥18 define clinically relevant PD-specific sleep disturbances.

Validation of the Kohnen Restless Legs Syndrome-Quality of Life instrument

BACKGROUND

Due to the symptoms and the sleep disturbances it causes, Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) has a negative impact on quality of life. Measurement of such impact can be performed by means of questionnaires, such as the Kohnen Restless Legs Syndrome-Quality of Life questionnaire (KRLS-QoL), a specific 12-item instrument that is self-applied by patients. The present study is aimed at performing a first formal validation study of this instrument.

METHODS

Eight hundred ninety-one patients were included for analysis. RLS severity was assessed by the International Restless Legs Scale (IRLS), Restless Legs Syndrome-6 scales (RLS-6), and Clinical Global Impression of Severity. In addition the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was assessed. Acceptability, dimensionality, scaling assumptions, reliability, precision, hypotheses-related validity, and responsiveness were tested.

RESULTS

There were missing data in 3.58% patients. Floor and ceiling effects were low for the subscales, global evaluation, and summary index derived from items 1 to 11 after checking that scaling assumptions were met. Exploratory parallel factor analysis showed that the KRLS-QoL may be deemed unidimensional, ie, that all components of the scale are part of one overall general quality of life factor. Indexes of internal consistency (alpha = 0.88), item-total correlation (r_S = 0.32-0.71), item homogeneity coefficient (0.41), and scale stability (ICC = 0.73) demonstrated a satisfactory reliability of the KRLS-QoL. Moderate or high correlations were obtained between KRLS-QoL scores and the IRLS, some components of the RLS-6, inter-KRLS-QoL domains, and global evaluations. Known-groups validity for severity levels grouping and responsiveness analysis results were satisfactory, the latter showing higher magnitudes of response for treated than for placebo arms.

CONCLUSIONS

The KRLS-QoL was proven an acceptable, reliable, valid, and responsive measure to assess the impact of the RLS on quality of life.

Rotigotine's effect on PLM-associated blood pressure elevations in restless legs syndrome: An RCT

Objective:

This double-blind, placebo-controlled, interventional trial was conducted to investigate the effects of rotigotine patch on periodic limb movement (PLM)–associated nocturnal systolic blood pressure (SBP) elevations.

Methods:

Patients with moderate to severe restless legs syndrome (RLS) were randomized to rotigotine (optimal dose [1–3 mg/24 h]) or placebo. Continuous beat-to-beat blood pressure (BP) assessments were performed during polysomnography at baseline and at the end of 4-week maintenance. Primary outcome was change in number of PLM-associated SBP elevations (defined as slope of linear regression ≥2.5 mm Hg/beat-to-beat interval over 5 consecutive heartbeats [≥10 mm Hg]). Additional outcomes were total SBP elevations, PLM-associated and total diastolic BP (DBP) elevations, periodic limb movements index (PLMI), and PLM in sleep arousal index (PLMSAI).

Results:

Of 81 randomized patients, 66 (37 rotigotine, 29 placebo) were included in efficacy assessments. PLM-associated SBP elevations were significantly reduced with rotigotine vs placebo (least squares mean treatment difference [95% confidence interval (CI)] −160.34 [−213.23 to −107.45]; p < 0.0001). Rotigotine-treated patients also had greater reduction vs placebo in total SBP elevations (−161.13 [−264.47 to −57.79]; p = 0.0028), PLM-associated elevations (−88.45 [−126.12 to −50.78]; p < 0.0001), and total DBP elevations (−93.81 [−168.45 to −19.16]; p = 0.0146), PLMI (−32.77 [−44.73 to −20.80]; p < 0.0001), and PLMSAI (−7.10 [−11.93 to −2.26]; p = 0.0047). Adverse events included nausea (rotigotine 23%; placebo 8%), headache (18% each), nasopharyngitis (18%; 8%), and fatigue (13%; 15%).

Conclusions:

Further investigation is required to determine whether reductions in nocturnal BP elevations observed with rotigotine might modify cardiovascular risk.

Classification of evidence:

This study provides Class I evidence that for patients with moderate to severe RLS, rotigotine at optimal dose (1–3 mg/24 h) reduced PLM-associated nocturnal SBP elevations.

Rating of daytime and nighttime symptoms in RLS: validation of the RLS-6 scale of restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease

BACKGROUND

The International Restless Legs Scale (IRLS) is the most widely used of the scales rating the severity of restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease (RLS/WED). It has been well validated and is the primary end point for most of the therapeutic and nontherapeutic studies of RLS/WED. It has excellent psychometric properties, although it does not capture the severity of RLS under a wide variety of circumstances and times of day. Moreover, the IRLS has a large placebo effect.

METHODS

The Restless Legs Syndrome-6 Scale (RLS-6), however, takes another potentially valuable approach. Six items are rated on a 0-10 scale from no symptoms at 0 to very severe at 10. In addition to questions on satisfaction with sleep and sleepiness, the scale rates the severity of RLS for the past week under four separate circumstances: while falling asleep, during the night, during the day while sitting or lying, and during the day when moving around. The purpose of the current study is to report the validation of the RLS-6 under baseline and therapeutic conditions.

RESULTS

The RLS-6 seems to be an acceptable, reliable, precise, valid, and responsive instrument for the assessment of RLS severity in a specific and pragmatic manner.

CONCLUSIONS

At present, we view the RLS-6 not as a replacement for the IRLS but as a supplement, as each scale provides information not captured by the other.

Review of quality of life instruments for the restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom Disease (RLS/WED): critique and recommendations

OBJECTIVES

Over the last decade therapeutic, pathogenetic, epidemiological and genetic research in restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom Disease (RLS/WED) has required the development of specific quality of life scales and sleep scales. A Movement Disorder Society Task Force formally evaluated the quality of these scales.

METHODS

A literature search retrieved 5 quality of life instruments specific to RLS. As per MDS protocol, each scale was evaluated by 3 criteria which included (a) use in RLS, (b) use by research or clinical groups other than the group that developed the scale, and (c) formal validation and adequate clinimetric properties. Scales were categorized as "Recommended" when all 3 criteria were met, "Suggested" when used for RLS but only one of the other criteria was met, and "Listed" when used in RLS but there was absence of the other two criteria. Details regarding the development, use and clinimetric properties of each instrument are summarized along with the recommendations of the Task Force.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The Restless Legs Syndrome Quality of Life Scale-Abetz (RLS-QOL-Abetz) is the only scale designated as Recommended for use in cross-sectional assessments and treatment-related changes in RLS quality of life. Daily diaries hold future promise for the evaluation of RLS symptoms without the need for retrospective recall. An important need is the development of pediatric RLS quality of life instruments.

Review of diagnostic instruments for the restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom Disease (RLS/WED): critique and recommendations

OBJECTIVES

Over the last decade, increased research on therapy, pathogenesis, epidemiological and genetic aspects of restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom Disease (RLS/WED) has necessitated development of diagnostic instruments specific to RLS. The Movement Disorder Society commissioned a task force to formally evaluate the available evidence on diagnostic instruments in RLS.

METHODS

A literature search identified 4 instruments specific to RLS. Each instrument was evaluated by 3 criteria, which included (a) use in RLS, (b) use by groups other than the group that developed the instrument, and (c) formal validation and adequate clinimetric properties. Instruments were then qualified as "Recommended" when all 3 criteria were met, "Suggested" when used for RLS but only one of the other criteria are met, and "Listed" when used in RLS but there is absence of the other 2 criteria. Details regarding the development, use, and clinimetric properties of each instrument are summarized, along with the recommendations of the committee.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The Recommended diagnostic instruments are the Hening Telephone Diagnostic Interview (HTDI), the Cambridge-Hopkins diagnostic questionnaire for RLS (CH-RLSq), and the RLS Diagnostic Index (RLS-DI). An unmet need is the development of a diagnostic instrument for pediatric RLS. Diagnostic instruments are particularly useful in studies where patients are not personally interviewed or examined in the office setting.

Review of Severity Rating Scales for Restless Legs Syndrome: Critique and Recommendations

Over the last decade, research in restless legs syndrome (RLS; also known as Willis-Ekbom disease) has increased dramatically. The International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society commissioned a task force to formally evaluate the available evidence on severity rating scales in RLS. A literature search retrieved instruments specific to RLS. Each scale was evaluated by three criteria: (1) use in RLS; (2) use by research or clinical groups other than the group that developed the scale; and (3) formal validation and adequate clinimetric properties. Scales were then qualified as "recommended" when all three criteria were met, "suggested" when used for RLS but only one of the other criteria was met, and "listed" when only used in RLS. Details regarding the development, use, and psychometric properties of each instrument and the recommendations of the committee are summarized. The scale of the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group for rating the severity of RLS (International Restless Legs Scale or IRLS) and the Augmentation Severity Rating Scale fulfilled criteria for "recommended" instruments to assess severity. Future endeavors should include a validation of the Pediatric RLS Severity Scale, the only available instrument for evaluation of the severity of pediatric RLS, and a validation of a patient version of the IRLS that will not require the interface of a live interviewer.

Psychological distress of patients suffering from restless legs syndrome: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a chronic disorder with substantial impact on quality of life similar to that seen in diabetes mellitus or osteoarthritis. Little is known about the psychological characteristics of RLS patients although psychological factors may contribute to unfavourable treatment outcome.

METHODS

In an observational cross-sectional design, we evaluated the psychological features of 166 consecutive RLS patients from three outpatient clinics, by means of the Symptom Checklist 90-R (SCL-90-R) questionnaire. Additionally, the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the International RLS Severity Scale (IRLS) were measured. Both treated and untreated patients were included, all patients sought treatment.

RESULTS

Untreated patients (n = 69) had elevated but normal scores on the SCL-90-R Global Severity Index (GSI; p = 0.002) and on the sub-scales somatisation (p < 0.001), compulsivity (p = 0.003), depression (p = 0.02), and anxiety (p = 0.004) compared with a German representative sample. In the treated group, particularly in those patients who were dissatisfied with their actual treatment (n = 62), psychological distress was higher than in the untreated group with elevated scores for the GSI (p = 0.03) and the sub-scales compulsivity (p = 0.006), depression (p = 0.012), anxiety (p = 0.031), hostility (p = 0.013), phobic anxiety (p = 0.024), and paranoid ideation (p = 0.012). Augmentation, the most serious side effect of dopaminergic, i.e. first-line treatment of RLS, and loss of efficacy were accompanied with the highest psychological distress, as seen particularly in the normative values of the sub-scales compulsivity and anxiety. Generally, higher RLS severity was correlated with higher psychological impairment (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Severely affected RLS patients show psychological impairment in multiple psychological domains which has to be taken into account in the treatment regimen.

Algorithms for the diagnosis and treatment of restless legs syndrome in primary care

BACKGROUND

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder with a lifetime prevalence of 3-10%. in European studies. However, the diagnosis of RLS in primary care remains low and mistreatment is common.

METHODS

The current article reports on the considerations of RLS diagnosis and management that were made during a European Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (EURLSSG)-sponsored task force consisting of experts and primary care practitioners. The task force sought to develop a better understanding of barriers to diagnosis in primary care practice and overcome these barriers with diagnostic and treatment algorithms.

RESULTS

The barriers to diagnosis identified by the task force include the presentation of symptoms, the language used to describe them, the actual term "restless legs syndrome" and difficulties in the differential diagnosis of RLS.

CONCLUSION

The EURLSSG task force reached a consensus and agreed on the diagnostic and treatment algorithms published here.

Ropinirole improves depressive symptoms and restless legs syndrome severity in RLS patients: a multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled study

Comorbid depressive symptoms in restless legs syndrome (RLS) remain a treatment challenge, as some antidepressants aggravate RLS symptoms. Preliminary data in depressive patients suggest antidepressant properties of ropinirole. The present study investigates the effects of ropinirole immediate release (IR) on depressive symptoms and RLS severity. A multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind randomized (3:1) study was performed including patients with moderate to severe idiopathic RLS and at least mild depressive symptoms. Ropinirole IR (in flexible doses up to 4 mg/day) or placebo was given for 12 weeks including an uptitration phase of 7 weeks. Visits were scheduled at screening, baseline, and weeks 1, 4, and 12 with additional telephone contacts for dosing decisions. The modified intent to treat population comprised 231 patients (171 ropinirole, 60 placebo). The MADRS (Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale) scores decreased from baseline to week 12 from 18.8 to 8.7 in the ropinirole group and from 18.4 to 12.1 in the placebo group (primary endpoint, adjusted mean treatment difference -3.6 (95% CI: -5.6 to -1.6, significance in favor of ropinirole: P < 0.001). The superiority of ropinirole compared to placebo was confirmed by the Hamilton Scale for Depression and Beck Depression Inventory-II scores. RLS severity scores (IRLS) decreased by 14.7 (ropinirole) and by 9.9 (placebo, P < 0.001) points. Three out of four subdomains of the Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale improved significantly. The findings indicate that mild to moderate depressive symptoms should not be treated before sufficient therapy for RLS. Antidepressant medication can be necessary if depression symptoms still persist even if RLS symptoms are ameliorated.

Empirical evaluation of the accuracy of diagnostic criteria for Restless Legs Syndrome

BACKGROUND

In accordance with the diagnostic criteria of the International Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Study Group, the diagnosis of RLS is exclusively based on subjective information. Patients must report an urge to move the legs (and arms) with or without unpleasant sensations which is engendered by rest, relieved by movement, and worse in the evening or at night than during the day (essential criteria). Objective information such as excessive periodic leg movements, positive response to dopaminergic medication, family history of RLS or findings of a neurological examination cannot substitute any of the essential criteria but are considered both supportive for the RLS diagnosis and important for decisions on differential diagnoses. In this article, we report a systematic empirical analysis of the accuracy of diagnostic decisions based on all diagnostic criteria being either "essential" or "non-essential."

METHODS

We re-analyzed data from a validation study for the RLS Diagnostic Index, in which ten items related to diagnostic criteria were compared with an expert diagnosis of RLS (n = 86) and other sleep-related diagnoses (n = 93). The value of individual diagnostic criteria and features of RLS predictive of the expert diagnoses were analyzed with logistic regression models by increasing the set of diagnostic criteria stepwise based on delta-chi(2) tests.

RESULTS

The essential diagnostic criteria share a large amount of variance in the prediction of the expert diagnosis. Three of the four essential criteria (urge to move the legs, which is engendered by rest and worse in the evening) almost completely determine the expert diagnosis. However, adding response to dopaminergic medication to the set of the essential criteria increased the effect size in the logistic regression model from 69.4% to 88.4%, indicating a relevant improvement of the accuracy in supporting or excluding the diagnosis of RLS.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of our exploratory empirical analysis we conclude that the accuracy of diagnostic decision making in patients suspicious for RLS can be improved by inclusion of objective information. Response to dopaminergics is the most important criterion which both supports the "true" diagnosis of RLS, if present, and is also relevant to exclude mimics of RLS.

One year open-label safety and efficacy trial with rotigotine transdermal patch in moderate to severe idiopathic restless legs syndrome

BACKGROUND

Long-term efficacy and tolerability data are not yet available for patch formulations of dopamine agonists in restless legs syndrome.

METHODS

Efficacy and safety of rotigotine (0.5-4mg/24h), formulated as a once-daily transdermal system (patch), were investigated in an open extension (SP710) of a preceding 6-week placebo-controlled trial (SP709, 341 randomized patients) in patients with idiopathic restless legs syndrome. For efficacy assessment the international RLS severity scale (IRLS), the RLS-6 scales, the clinical global impressions (CGI) and the QoL-RLS questionnaire were administered. In addition, long-term tolerability and safety were assessed.

RESULTS

Of 310 patients who finished the controlled trial, 295 (mean age 58+/-10 years, 66% females) with a mean IRLS score of 27.8+/-5.9 at baseline of SP709 were included. We report results after one year of this ongoing long-term trial. Two hundred twenty patients (retention rate=74.6%) completed the 12-month follow-up period. The mean daily dose was 2.8+/-1.2mg/24h with 4mg/24h (40.6%) being the most frequently applied dose; 14.8% were sufficiently treated with 0.5 or 1.0mg/24h. The IRLS total score improved by ?17.4+/-9.9 points between baseline and end of Year 1 (p<0.001). The other measures of severity, sleep satisfaction and quality of life supported the efficacy of rotigotine (p<0.001 for pre-post-comparisons of all efficacy variables). The tolerability was described as "good" or "very good" by 80.3% of all patients. The most common adverse events were application site reactions (40.0%), which led to withdrawal in 13.2%. Further relatively frequent adverse events were nausea (9.5%) and fatigue (6.4%). Two drug-related serious adverse events, nausea and syncope, required hospitalization. Symptoms of augmentation were not reported by the patients.

CONCLUSION

Rotigotine provided a stable, clinically relevant improvement in all efficacy measures throughout one year of maintenance therapy. The transdermal patch was safe and generally well tolerated by the majority of patients. Comparable to any transdermal therapy, application site reactions were the main treatment complication.

Clinical trials in restless legs syndrome--recommendations of the European RLS Study Group (EURLSSG)

The European Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Study Group (EURLSSG) is an association of European RLS experts who are actively involved in RLS research. A major aim of the Study Group is the development and continuous improvement of standards for diagnosis and treatment of RLS. Several members developed study designs and evaluation methods in investigator-initiated trials early in the 1990s, and all members have since contributed to many pivotal and nonpivotal drug trials for the treatment of RLS. The recommendations on clinical investigations of pharmacological treatment of RLS patients summarize the group's expertise and knowledge acquired through clinical trials. The recommendations primarily address how to plan and conduct confirmatory, randomized clinical studies in patients with idiopathic RLS. Advice is presented for the diagnosis of RLS and clinical and polysomnographic inclusion and exclusion criteria. Primary and secondary endpoints for an evaluation of efficacy are based on a critical description of validated methods for both short- and long-term trials, also in special populations (children, pregnant women, elderly patients). The recommendations include the assessment of augmentation. Finally, general issues including the evaluation of safety and tolerability, as well as specific neurological and cardiovascular risks and sleep attacks/daytime somnolence, are discussed. The aim of these recommendations is to support research groups or pharmaceutical companies in the design of optimized study protocols.

Definition of restless legs syndrome, how to diagnose it, and how to differentiate it from RLS mimics

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a clinical diagnosis based primarily on self-reports of individuals. The International RLS Study Group has published diagnostic criteria that are essential for an operational diagnosis of RLS; further clinical features are considered by the group supportive for or associated with RLS. However, sensitivity and specificity are not perfect and "mimics" of RLS have been reported, i.e., other conditions like nocturnal cramps sometimes can appear to fulfill the essential diagnostic criteria indicating the need for more thorough understanding of the diagnostic criteria and better differential diagnoses. To contribute to the accuracy of diagnostic processes in RLS, we recapitulate the definition of RLS as an urge to move focused on the legs (and arms in some patients). This urge to move often but not always occurs together with dysesthesia, i.e. unpleasant abnormal sensations appearing without any apparent sensory stimulation. The urge to move and any accompanying dysesthesia must be engendered by rest, relieved by movement and worse in the evening or night. Succinctly, RLS can be summarized in medical terminology as a "movement-responsive quiescegenic nocturnal focal akathisia usually with dysesthesias." Empirical approaches to investigate the independence of the essential criteria "worsening at night" and "worsening at rest" are reported. Possible differential diagnoses of RLS are discussed under the perspective of the NIH diagnostic criteria of RLS. Standardized methods to assess a RLS diagnosis are presented which might improve differential diagnosis and in general the reliability and validity of RLS diagnosis.

Efficacy of rotigotine transdermal system in severe restless legs syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, six-week dose-finding trial in Europe

BACKGROUND

In a pilot placebo-controlled study, low dosages of 0.5-2mg/24h rotigotine showed a dose-dependent beneficial effect in restless legs syndrome (RLS) patients.

METHODS

Efficacy and safety of the dopamine agonist rotigotine, formulated as a once-daily transdermal system (patch), was investigated for five fixed dosages and compared to placebo in patients with idiopathic RLS in a double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, multicenter, six-week dose-finding trial. Primary efficacy measure was the total score of the International RLS Severity Scale (IRLS); in addition, the RLS-6 scales and the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) were administered.

RESULTS

Of 371 enrolled patients, 341 patients (mean age 58+/-10years, 67% females) were randomized. The IRLS total score improved between baseline and end of the six-week treatment period by -10.6 (0.5mg/24h rotigotine; patch area 2.5cm2), -15.1 (1mg/24h; 5cm2), -15.7 (2mg/24h; 10cm2), -17.5 (3mg/24h; 15cm2), and -14.8 (4mg/24h, 20cm2) as compared to placebo (-9.2). The hierarchical statistical test procedure demonstrated superiority of rotigotine over placebo for 4mg/24h, 3mg/24h, 2mg/24h, and 1mg/24h, with p-values of 0.0013, <0.0001, 0.0003, and 0.0004, respectively. Only the 0.5mg/24h dose was not different compared to placebo (p=0.2338). The CGI and the RLS-6 severity items supported the efficacy of the rotigotine doses beyond 0.5mg/24h. The most frequent side effects were application site reactions and nausea and tended to be more frequent with higher doses.

CONCLUSIONS

This dose-finding trial identified the range for a maintenance dose of rotigotine from 1mg/24h to 3mg/24h. The lowest dose was ineffective and, with the highest dose, no additional benefit was observed.

Augmentation as a treatment complication of restless legs syndrome: Concept and management

Augmentation constitutes the main complication of long-term dopaminergic treatment in restless legs syndrome (RLS). Although this condition was first described in 1996, and is characterized by an overall increase in severity of RLS symptoms (including earlier onset of symptoms during the day, faster onset of symptoms when at rest, expansion to the upper limbs and trunk, and shorter duration of the treatment effect), precise diagnostic criteria were not established until 2003. These criteria have recently been updated to form a new definition of augmentation based on multicentric studies. The present article reviews our current knowledge on clinical diagnosis, evaluation, pathophysiology, and treatment recommendations for this condition.

Assessment of restless legs syndrome—Methodological approaches for use in practice and clinical trials

The Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor disorder that has only recently been extensively investigated by validated methods. Following the first presentation of diagnostic criteria by the International RLS Study Group in 1995, several methods were specifically developed for clinical trials in RLS or adapted from other areas of medicine and health sciences. We present a critical overview on validated methods to assess (1) severity of RLS symptoms [International RLS Rating Scale (IRLS), John Hopkins RLS Severity Scale (JHRLSSS), the RLS-6 scales, and the investigator-based Clincial Global Impressions (CGI)]; (2) quality of life [RLS Quality of Life Instrument (RLS-QLI), Hopkins RLS Quality of Life Questionnaire (RLSQoL), and the RLS Quality of Life Questionnaire (QoL-RLS)]; (3) sleep disturbances and sudden onset of sleep; (4) sleep laboratory methods (polysomnography, limb activity monitoring by actigraphy) to evaluate sleep and periodic leg movements (including the "suggested immobilization test"); and (5) severity of augmentation (Augmentation Severity Rating Scale, ASRS). It is concluded that several validated methods are available to investigate the main features of RLS in practice and in clinical trials; however, further developments are needed to address new questions like the consequences of RLS on life functioning in areas such as ability to travel, days missed at work or impaired work performance.

State of the art in restless legs syndrome therapy: Practice recommendations for treating restless legs syndrome

Dopaminergic agents are the best-studied agents and are considered first-line treatment of restless legs syndrome (RLS). Extensive data are available for levodopa, pramipexole, and ropinirole, which have approval for the indication RLS, and to a smaller extent for cabergoline, pergolide, and rotigotine. Apart from one recent study, comparing two active drugs (levodopa and cabergoline), no comparative studies have been published. The individual treatment regimen with the most appropriate agent concerning efficacy and side effects has to be selected by the treating physician. On the basis of these clinical trials and expert opinion of the authors, a treatment algorithm is proposed to support the search for the optimal individual treatment. Opioids and anticonvulsants such as gabapentine are second-line options in individual patients. Iron substitution is justified in people with iron deficiency related RLS (ferritin concentration lower than 50 microg/L).

Cabergoline compared to levodopa in the treatment of patients with severe restless legs syndrome: Results from a multi-center, randomized, active controlled trial

We report the first large-scale double-blind, randomly assigned study to compare two active dopaminergic therapies for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), the dopamine agonist cabergoline (CAB) and levodopa/benserazide (levodopa). Patients with idiopathic RLS were treated with fixed daily doses of 2 or 3 mg CAB or 200 or 300 mg levodopa for 30 weeks. Efficacy was assessed by changes in the IRLS (International RLS Severity Scale) and by time to discontinuation of treatment due to loss of efficacy or augmentation. 361 of 418 screened patients (age 58 +/- 12 years, 71% females) were randomly assigned and treated (CAB: n = 178; levodopa: n = 183) in 51 centers of four European countries. Baseline IRLS total score was 25.7 +/- 6.8. The baseline-adjusted mean change from baseline to week 6 in IRLS sum score was d = -16.1 in the CAB group and d = -9.5 in the levodopa group (d = -6.6, P < 0.0001). More patients in the levodopa group (24.0%) than in the CAB group (11.9%, P = 0.0029, log-rank test) discontinued because of loss of efficacy (14.2% vs. 7.9%, P = 0.0290) or augmentation (9.8% vs. 4.0%, P = 0.0412). Adverse events (AEs) occurred in 83.1% of the CAB group and in 77.6% of the levodopa group. In both groups, most frequent AEs were gastrointestinal symptoms (CAB: 55.6%, levodopa: 30.6%, P < 0.0001). This first large-scale active controlled study in RLS showed superior efficacy of cabergoline versus levodopa after a 30-week long-term therapy. Tolerability was found more favorable with levodopa than with cabergoline.

Lisuride treatment of restless legs syndrome: first studies with monotherapy in de novo patients and in combination with levodopa in advanced disease

In two 4-week polysomnography pilot studies with 10 patients each, we investigated the efficacy of oral lisuride as monotherapy in de novo RLS patients as well as in combination with levodopa in advanced RLS. Daily doses at study end were 0.3 mg lisuride, plus 150 mg levodopa in the combination study. Marked improvements occurred in both studies in different PLM indexes and in the CGI. Levodopa dose could be decreased by 27%. Lisuride might be an efficacious treatment for RLS in general, and in combination with levodopa in advanced stage.

Efficacy of cabergoline in restless legs syndrome: A placebo-controlled study with polysomnography (CATOR)

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of the dopamine agonist cabergoline in the treatment of patients with idiopathic restless legs syndrome (CATOR study).

METHODS

Patients with moderate to severe restless legs syndrome (RLS) were randomly assigned to cabergoline (single evening dose: 2 mg) or placebo and treated for 5 weeks in a double-blind, multicenter polysomnography (PSG) trial. The primary efficacy measures were the periodic leg movements during sleep arousal index (PLMS-AI) and sleep efficiency. These and further PSG variables were monitored by centrally evaluated PSG. Severity of RLS was assessed using the International RLS Study Group Severity Scale (IRLS), the RLS-6 scales, the Sleep Questionnaire Form A (SF-A; quality of sleep), and the Quality of Life for RLS questionnaire.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients were treated and 40 patients were evaluated with PSG (age 56 +/- 10 years, 73% women). Cabergoline was superior to placebo in terms of the PLMS-AI (-17.7 +/- 16.4 vs -4.5 +/- 20.0 placebo; p = 0.0024), sleep efficiency (+6.2 +/- 13.9% vs +3.3 +/- 11.7%; p = 0.0443), PLMS index (p = 0.0014), PLM index (p = 0.0012), and total sleep time (p = 0.0443). Improvements in IRLS total score (-23.7 +/- 11.2 vs -7.9 +/- 11.0 placebo; p = 0.0002), RLS-6 severity scales during the night (p = 0.0010) and during the day (p = 0.0018), Clinical Global Impressions severity item (p = 0.0003), sleep quality (p = 0.0180), SF-A sleep quality (p = 0.0371), and QoL-RLS (p = 0.0247) were larger in patients treated with cabergoline compared with the placebo group. Adverse events were only mild and well-known side effects of dopamine agonists.

CONCLUSION

Single-evening cabergoline is an efficacious and well-tolerated short-term therapy for sensorimotor symptoms of restless legs syndrome and associated sleep disturbances.