Prevalence and risk factors of restless leg syndrome in hemodialysis patients after kidney transplantation failure

Abstract

Objective To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of restless leg syndrome (RLS) in hemodialysis patients after kidney transplantation failure. Methods Patients of hemodialysis after kidney transplantation failure were investigated by face-to-face interviews, from March to July, 2015, at four dialysis units in Beijing. RLS was diagnosed according to the International RLS Study Group (IRLSSG) criteria. The severity of RLS was assessed using International RLS Rating scale. Besides, three validated sleep disorder questionnaires (Hamilton anxiety and depression scale, Epworth sleepiness scale and Pittsburgh sleep quality index) were completed by the patients at the same time. Results Ninety-four hemodialysis patients after kidney transplantation failure were enrolled; 46 patients (48.94%) met the diagnosis of RLS, the average age was 53.44±11.89 years, and the median time of RLS onset after kidney transplantation failure was 46 months. The International RLS Rating scale scores of the patients were 17.26±7.81; 76.0% patients were above moderate. As compared with the non-RLS patients, patients with RLS used more erythropoietin (44/48 vs. 46/46), less ferrila (30/48 vs. 19/46), and few hypnotic medicine (10/48 vs. 3/46), with significant differences (P<0.05). The serum ion, serum ferritin and serum Vitamin B12 of patients with RLS were significantly lower as compared with non-RLS patients (P<0.05); and poorer sleep quality and higher depression scale scores in the patients with RLS were noted as compared with those in the non-RLS patients (P<0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of RLS in hemodialysis patients after kidney transplantation failure is high, low iron protein content, low serum iron content and low vitamin B12 levels may be risk factors for RLS. Key words: Restless leg syndrome; Hemodialysis; Kidney transplantation; Sleep; Depression