Abstract
Background: The prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is approximately 10% in general population. This condition is more prevalent in certain diseases and we previously reported the prevalence of RLS in chronic liver disease population to be 62%. Objectives: Our aim was to assess the self-reported prevalence of RLS using an RLS symptom specific questionnaire in liver transplant patients. Methods: Subjects were a convenience sample in transplant clinic. They completed a validated survey for core RLS symptoms and if positive went on to completed a telephone survey using the validated International RLS Severity Scale Questionnaire (IRLS) and the Johns Hopkins RLS QoL survey to measure the effect of RLS symptoms on daily activities. Results: 40 patients surveyed, RLS was found in 16 subjects (40%) with moderate severity {17 (SD + 7.2, high score 31)}. Hepatitis C as indication for liver transplant was more likely associated with RLS (p = 0.05). Calcium channel blockers were protective (p = 0.032) while antidopaminergic agent use was statistically significant for RLS symptom (p = 0.005). On multiple linear regression analysis, diabetes (p = 0.024) and use of antidepressants/antihistamines (p = 0.049) were associated with RLS. Quality of Life (QoL) surveys specific to RLS suggested RLS symptoms resulted in significantly diminished QoL, with an average QoL score of 80 (SD + 11.7). Conclusion: There was a very high prevalence of RLS in our liver transplant patients with majority experiencing moderate or severe symptoms. The explanation for this higher prevalence is likely due to combination of comorbidites as well as medications that can trigger RLS.
Highlights
IntroductionThe prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is approximately 10% in general population
The prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is approximately 10% in general population. This condition is more prevalent in certain diseases and we previously reported the prevalence of RLS in chronic liver disease population to be 62%
The mean score was 17 (SD + 7.2, high score 31) indicating moderate severity of RLS when compared to the validated and published rating scale for this tool (IRLSSG). This is the first study to report the prevalence and factors associated with RLS in liver transplant recipients
Summary
The prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is approximately 10% in general population This condition is more prevalent in certain diseases and we previously reported the prevalence of RLS in chronic liver disease population to be 62%. Conclusion: There was a very high prevalence of RLS in our liver transplant patients with majority experiencing moderate or severe symptoms. Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a common clinical syndrome with significant impact on sleep quality and quality of life (QoL) and a prevalence of 5% - 15% [1,2,3] in general population. We have previously reported the prevalence of RLS symptoms in our institution’s specialty clinic chronic liver disease population to be 62% [15]. We undertook this current study in an attempt to ascertain any causality of chronic liver disease with RLS by studying a population with reversal of chronic liver disease, namely those with a successful liver transplant
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
