Prevalence Of Restless Legs Syndrome Research Articles

A randomized double-blind pilot study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of intravenous iron versus oral iron for the treatment of restless legs syndrome in patients with iron deficiency anemia.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that can have a profound effect on sleep and quality of life. Idiopathic RLS is associated with brain iron insufficiency despite normal peripheral iron stores. There is, however, a five- to six-fold increase in prevalence of RLS in patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Several open-label trials have demonstrated symptomatic improvement in RLS following treatment of IDA using oral or intravenous iron supplementation. To date, there have been no randomized double-blind controlled trials of intravenous iron compared with oral iron for the treatment of RLS patients with IDA. In the current study, oral ferrous sulfate and ferumoxytol were compared for efficacy and speed of response for treatment of RLS occurring in patients with IDA. The planned recruitment for this study was 70 patients with RLS and IDA, to be randomly assigned 1:1 to oral or intravenous iron, using double-blind, double-dummy procedures. At Week 6, the primary outcomes of Clinical Global Impression-Improvement score and change from baseline in the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group rating scale score were assessed. Due to challenges, performing the clinical trial during the COVID-19 pandemic, final-week data were found missing for 30 patients. As a result, in order to maintain the prespecified statistical analysis, an additional 30 patients were recruited. Both IV and oral iron were associated with a marked improvement in RLS symptoms, with no statistically significant difference between treatment groups. No serious adverse events were observed in either treatment group.

The Frequency and Associated Factors of Restless Leg Syndrome among Pregnant Women in 3rd Trimester

Background: Restless leg syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is characterized by an uncomfortable sensation in the legs, often occurring at the onset of sleep, which triggers an irrepressible urge to move the legs. This condition is particularly prevalent among pregnant women, with symptoms typically worsening during the third trimester. Despite its impact, many pregnant women are unaware of RLS, attributing their discomfort to normal pregnancy symptoms. Objective: To assess the frequency and associated factors of RLS in pregnant females during the third trimester and to evaluate its impact on their quality of life. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 250 pregnant females in their third trimester, recruited from Shalimar Hospital, Nawaz Sharif Hospital, Zahida Welfare Trust, Alshad Clinic, Ali Hospital, Ahsan Hospital, Nargis Clinic, Manawa Government Hospital, and Sultan Medical Center. Participants aged 15-45 years were included, while those with rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus were excluded. Data were collected using structured questionnaires incorporating the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) criteria and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Ethical approval was obtained, and the study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki principles. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with descriptive statistics, frequencies, and graphical representations employed to summarize and analyze the data. Results: The mean age of participants was 26.32 years (SD = 5.08). The prevalence of RLS in the third trimester was found to be 89.2%. The age group most affected was 18-23 years. Factors associated with RLS included inadequate calcium intake (40.4%), insufficient daily water intake (40.4%), poor food intake (48%), mood disturbances (89.2%), lack of movement or light exercise (78%), caffeine consumption (16%), disturbances in sexual activities (48%), and disruption in daily activities (45.2%). Conclusion: RLS is highly prevalent among pregnant women, particularly in the third trimester, significantly impacting their quality of life. Despite its prevalence, many women remain unaware of RLS, mistaking it for typical pregnancy discomfort. Raising awareness and implementing screening and management strategies during prenatal care could improve the quality of life for affected women.

Evaluation of the relationship between restless legs syndrome, mental status, and sleep disorders among Moroccan women during their third trimester of pregnancy.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a motor disorder encountered during pregnancy and leads to psychological and sleep impairments. The latter seems to be non-restorative and its occurrence alters the quality of life of pregnant women. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of RLS and its relationship with both anxio-depressive symptoms and sleep disorders among a population of Moroccan pregnant women during their third trimester of pregnancy. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a population of pregnant women in their third trimester (n=178) admitted to two health facilities in the city of Marrakech: Youssef Ibn Tachafine and Oasis. The face-to-face questionnaire was used to collect data including demographic and clinical characteristics, the four diagnostic criteria of RLS, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Patients were divided into two groups RLS+ (women with RLS) and RLS- (women without RLS). The prevalence of RLS was 59.5%; this syndrome was more common in the ninth month (74.15%) compared with the seventh and eighth months. Sleep impairment, including sleep efficiency, was significantly higher in RLS+ than RLS- (P-value 0.05). Anxiety but not depression is significantly increased in RLS+ compared to RLS- (48.11% versus 38.8%, P = 0.000). There were no significant differences between RLS+ and RLS- in terms of socio-demographic and other clinical characteristics. RLS is encountered during the prenatal period, with a higher prevalence in the last trimester. During this stage of pregnancy, women suffering from RLS were vulnerable to anxiety and sleep disorders. Prevention and early diagnosis of RLS could be a proactive healthcare management leading to better health outcomes and better conditions of pregnancy, which precedes childbirth.

Prevalence of Restless Leg Syndrome in School Going Students and Assessment of Fatigue

Background: Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease (WED), is a common condition where you feel an uncontrollable urge to move your legs because they feel uncomfortable, occasionally as painful sensations in the legs. This study investigates the prevalence of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) among school-going students and examines the variation in fatigue scores between restless leg syndrome-positive and restless leg syndrome-negative individuals. Materials and methods: A sample of 142 students from Pune, India participated in this cross-sectional study. RLS prevalence was determined using standardized diagnostic criteria, while fatigue scores were assessed using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) scale. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Result: Results revealed a 51.40% prevalence of restless leg syndrome among the sampled population. 47.37% students exhibit mild RLS, 35.53% students have moderate out of total diagnosed cases. Statistical analysis demonstrated slight differences in fatigue scores between restless leg syndrome -positive and restless leg syndrome-negative students, with mean fatigue score of 54.12 in restless leg syndrome positive students, highlighting the impact of RLS on fatigue levels. These findings underscore the importance of early detection and intervention strategies for RLS in school-aged individuals to mitigate its effects on daily functioning and well-being. Conclusion: A considerably higher prevalence of restless leg syndrome was found in school going students with female predominance. A slight increase in fatigue score was seen on fatigue score analysis in restless leg syndrome positive students compared to their nonaffected counterparts.

Prevalence of Parasomnias and Restless Leg Syndrome in Patients taking Psychotropic Medications (Antidepressants and Antipsychotics): A Cross-Sectional Hospital-based Study

Prevalence of Parasomnias and Restless Leg Syndrome in Patients taking Psychotropic Medications (Antidepressants and Antipsychotics): A Cross-Sectional Hospital-based Study

Restless legs syndrome in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: Association between apnea severity and symptoms of depression, insomnia, and daytime sleepiness

ObjectiveTo determine if the prevalence and severity of restless legs syndrome (RLS) varies with apnea severity and analyze differences between the sexes in terms of comorbid RLS with symptoms of depression, insomnia, and daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). MethodsSymptoms of depression, insomnia, and daytime sleepiness were defined as Patient Health Questionnaire–9 score ≥10, Insomnia Severity Index score ≥15, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale score ≥11. Multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted. ResultsIn 707 adults with OSA (85.1% males), 16.1% (n = 114) had comorbid RLS. The prevalence of RLS was markedly lower in those with moderate and severe OSA than in those with mild OSA. Similarly, the odds of RLS significantly decreased with increasing apnea-hypopnea index. After controlling for age and sex, in patients with comorbid RLS, the International RLS Study Group Rating Scale scores were negatively correlated with apnea-hypopnea index and a nadir peripheral oxygen saturation during sleep. The presence of RLS was more likely to be associated with symptoms of depression, insomnia, and daytime sleepiness after controlling for confounding variables, but only in men. ConclusionsRLS is frequently noted in combination with OSA, with a female preponderance. The severities of OSA and RLS may be negatively associated. In patients with OSA, sex-related differences in terms of comorbid RLS with symptoms of depression, insomnia, and daytime sleepiness warrant further investigations.

Restless leg syndrome as a complication of primary hyperparathyroidism: insights from a retrospective study.

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is an invalidating neurological disorder with a complex, largely unknown pathophysiology. While RLS is observed in Parkinson's disease and in renal failure, idiopathic cases are common. Limited reports associate RLS with parathyroid hormone (PTH). This study analyzes a cohort of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and chronic post-surgical hypoparathyroidism (hypo PTH), to investigate RLS prevalence, and associated risk factors. Ninety-five patients (54 PHPT, 41 hypo PTH) were consecutively enrolled at the bone metabolism outpatient clinic. The revised IRLSSG diagnostic criteria were used to diagnose RLS, with assessments conducted through face-to-face interviews and neurological examination. When RLS was confirmed, the RLS severity scale was applied. Retrospective records included calcium-phosphate metabolism-related parameters, surgery details, renal lithiasis, fragility fractures, and densitometric features (T-score). RLS was diagnosed in 22.2% PHPT patients, compared to 4.9% of patients with hypo PTH (p = 0.02). Of RLS diagnosed patients, 91.7% had a history of parathyroidectomy, compared to 47.6% of patients without RLS (p = 0.01). Most of the operated patients reported that surgery determined an improvement of symptoms; however, mean score severity of RLS at our evaluation was 15/40, defined as moderate. PTH and calcium levels were not statistically associated to the presence of RLS. Our study suggests that PHPT may be one of the etiologies of RLS. Parathyroidectomy alleviates symptoms in the vast majority of the cases but does not remove them.

Prevalence and clinical correlates of restless legs syndrome in psychiatric patients: A cross-sectional study from North India.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neuro-sensorimotor disorder which is scarcely researched and is commonly missed in routine psychiatry practice. To evaluate the prevalence of RLS and its correlates in patients with anxiety, depression, and somatoform disorders. A cross-sectional single-center study was undertaken in patients aged 18-65 years suffering from ICD-10 (International Statistical Classification of Diseases-10th edition) diagnosis of anxiety, depressive, and somatoform disorders. RLS was evaluated by using diagnostic criteria of International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) and severity measured on IRLSSG scale. Depression and anxiety were rated on Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Rating Scales respectively, insomnia severity measured by Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and quality of life measured by WHO Quality of Life-Brief version (WHO-QOL BREF) scale. Serum ferritin levels were measured for evaluating iron deficiency. The rate of RLS was 66.7%, 50%, and 48% in patients with depressive, anxiety, and somatoform disorders, respectively, with no significant inter-group difference. Nearly one-third of patients suffered from severe to very severe symptoms of RLS, and quality of life was poorest in those with depressive disorders. RLS was significantly higher in females (P = 0.019), who were married (P = 0.040), diagnosed with severe depression (P = 0.029), and abused benzodiazepines (P = 0.045). On binary logistic regression, female gender and presence of clinical insomnia predicted occurrence of RLS. The prevalence of RLS is very high in patients with common psychiatric disorders which is often missed. Clinical enquiry and examination for reversible causes such as iron deficiency may assist in its diagnosis and improve clinical outcome.

Global prevalence of restless legs syndrome among hemodialysis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common complaint in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Despite the fact that the estimated prevalence of RLS among HD patients is widely reported, these results varied significantly in the relevant literature. Due to this limitation, the aim of this study was to determine the global prevalence of RLS among HD patients. This systematic review was conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses 2020 statement. We searched the electronic databases: Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Database, and Weipu Database. A random effects model was employed to calculate pooled prevalence rates. The global pooled prevalence of RLS in HD patients was 27.2% (95% CI: 24.8-29.7). Stratified analyses demonstrated that included studies with sample size <100 had the highest pooled prevalence of RLS. The prevalence of RLS using clinical interviews and questionnaires was 28.7% (95% CI: 25.2-32.2) and 25.9% (95% CI: 22.8-29.1), respectively. RLS prevalence is higher in females (29.7%, 95% CI: 26.2-33.2) HD patients than in males (23.5%, 95% CI: 20.9-26.0), and the African region has the highest prevalence in the world when the diagnostic criteria were restricted to the 2003 version of International RLS Study Group criteria, the prevalence of RLS was highest (28.9%, 95% CI: 25.9-31.9). Our results revealed a high RLS prevalence in HD patients worldwide. However, the prevalence of RLS among HD patients varied significantly based on sample size, data collection method, gender, diagnostic criteria, and geographical region.

Sleep and sleep disorders during pregnancy and postpartum: The Life-ON study

Objectiveto prospectively assess sleep and sleep disorders during pregnancy and postpartum in a large cohort of women. Methodsmulticenter prospective Life-ON study, recruiting consecutive pregnant women at a gestational age between 10 and 15 weeks, from the local gynecological departments. The study included home polysomnography performed between the 23rd and 25th week of pregnancy and sleep-related questionnaires at 9 points in time during pregnancy and 6 months postpartum. Results439 pregnant women (mean age 33.7 ± 4.2 yrs) were enrolled. Poor quality of sleep was reported by 34% of women in the first trimester of pregnancy, by 46% of women in the third trimester, and by as many as 71% of women in the first month after delivery. A similar trend was seen for insomnia. Excessive daytime sleepiness peaked in the first trimester (30% of women), and decreased in the third trimester, to 22% of women. Prevalence of restless legs syndrome was 25%, with a peak in the third trimester of pregnancy. Polysomnographic data, available for 353 women, revealed that 24% of women slept less than 6 h, and 30.6% of women had a sleep efficiency below 80%. Sleep-disordered breathing (RDI≥5) had a prevalence of 4.2% and correlated positively with BMI. ConclusionsThe Life-ON study provides the largest polysomnographic dataset coupled with longitudinal subjective assessments of sleep quality in pregnant women to date. Sleep disorders are highly frequent and distributed differently during pregnancy and postpartum. Routine assessment of sleep disturbances in the perinatal period is necessary to improve early detection and clinical management.

Restless legs syndrome in multiple sclerosis patients: Prevalence, impact, and association with disease-modifying therapies in a Saudi Arabian pilot study.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) emerges as a notable sleep disorder characterized by distressing sensations within the lower extremities. Its prevalence appears to be higher among patients afflicted with multiple sclerosis (MS) compared to the general population. Despite this observation, the understanding of the intricacies of RLS and its repercussions within the context of MS patients in Saudi Arabia remains limited. Employing a cross-sectional design, a comprehensive investigation was undertaken at King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, spanning from November 2021 to March 2022. A cohort of 66 individuals diagnosed with MS was recruited and subjected to an assessment for RLS employing the revised diagnostic criteria outlined by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG). Furthermore, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Sleepiness Scale were employed to gage the extent of RLS's impact on sleep quality and daily functioning. The prevalence of RLS amidst the MS cohort was determined to be 30.4%. An observable association was discerned between RLS presence and higher scores on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (p<0.001), along with diminished sleep quality scores (p<0.001) and elevated fatigue scores based on IRLSSG criteria (p<0.001). Within the studied MS cases, 98.5% exhibited the relapsing-remitting subtype. Further investigation demonstrated that patients treated with Fingolimod or Ocrevus presented normal IRLSSG scores, whereas those undergoing Rituximab treatment manifested an even distribution between normal and moderate scores. Correspondingly, patients receiving interferons showcased 72.2% with normal scores and 27.8% with mild scores. Notably, a statistically significant variance in IRLSSG scores was observed when contrasting Fingolimod and Aubagio treatments (P<0.001). The presence of RLS as a comorbidity in MS patients within the Saudi Arabian context emerges as a significant finding, exerting a discernible detrimental influence on both disability status and sleep quality. This study underscores the need for further investigations aimed at unraveling the intricate pathophysiological underpinnings, identification of risk factors, and exploration of therapeutic modalities for RLS in this population. Furthermore, additional research endeavors are warranted to elucidate the diverse impact of various disease-modifying therapies on clinical outcomes.

Prevalence of Restless Legs Syndrome in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sensorimotor sleep disorder, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes disability. Previous studies showed that the prevalence of RLS varies in different populations of RA (13.2 – 68.4%). It raises the need for a pooled metaanalysis to determine a more reliable estimate. Therefore, we aimed to perform a meta-analysis to assess the pooled prevalence of RLS in RA patients.&#x0D; Methods: Meta-analysis was performed according to the PRISMA checklist. Embase, MEDLINE, Ovid, Web-of-Science, and Scopus databases were used for the systematic search, and eligible studies were analyzed using R version 4.0.3. For further review, we performed sensitivity analyzes to identify influential studies.&#x0D; Results: Of a total of 763 studies, 11 studies (3 were from Europe, 4 from North America, and 4 from Asia) were suitable for synthesis. A total of 931 RA patients were identified, 300 of whom had symptoms of RLS. The pooled prevalence of RLS among people with RA from 11 studies was 34% (95% CI: 26-43%). The pooled prevalence of RLS in Europe, Asia, and North America was 48% (95% CI: 32-65%), 32% (95% CI: 18-45%), and 28% (95% CI: 15-42%), respectively. RLS prevalence was dramatically high in RA women patients (32% CI: 23-41%) than RA men patients (3%; 95% CI: 2-5%).&#x0D; Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that the risk of RLS in RA patients was 34% and female patients with RA were more prone to having RLS than male patients.

Restless legs syndrome in chronic renal failure patients on dialysis.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) occurs in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). To determine the prevalence and morbidity of RLS in CRF patients on dialysis. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study included 100 dialysis patients (50 on haemodialysis [HD]; 50 on peritoneal dialysis [PD]). A focused lower limb examination was done. Patients were classified with RLS when reporting uncomfortable feelings in their legs that improved with movement and worsened when resting and at night. Gender distribution was equal. The median age was 43 (19-67) years. Six patients (HD and PD n=3 each) had international criteria-confirmed RLS. Twenty-four patients reported symptoms suggestive of RLS. Fourteen and 16 patients with RLS symptoms were on HD and PD, respectively. Sleep disturbances occurred in 43.3% (n=13) of patients with RLS symptoms, compared to 20.0% (n=20) of the large cohort. Sleep disturbances, peripheral sensory loss, chronic disease-related anaemia, increased urea and decreased albumin levels were more common among patients with RLS symptoms. RLS symptoms occurred in 30.0% of the entire cohort, although only 6.0% met the international criteria. The type of dialysis had no impact on the incidence of symptoms. Identifying RLS in patients with CRF on dialysis will allow for early intervention.

The Relationship between Serum Selenium Levels and Restless Leg Syndrome in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients.

Background and Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health issue with rising incidence linked to substantial morbidity and mortality. Selenium, an antioxidant trace element, has been linked to low serum levels in end-stage renal disease. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), a sleep disorder, is prevalent in CKD patients and significantly impacts their quality of life. The objective of this study was to examine the correlation between serum selenium levels and the prevalence of restless leg syndrome in individuals with chronic kidney disease. Materials and Methods: Forty-six CKD patients undergoing serum selenium level assessments between 1 January 2020 and 28 February 2022, at the Hitit University Faculty of Medicine Department of Nephrology Outpatient Clinic or Hemodialysis Unit, were included. Patients over 18 years of age with no history of hematological or oncological diseases or acute or chronic inflammatory conditions were included in the study groups. Patients taking selenium supplements were excluded. Demographic data, comorbidities, and laboratory values were collected, and RLS presence and severity were evaluated. Statistical analyses include descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, the Mann-Whitney U test, Student's t test, and Chi-square test. Results: Among the 46 patients, 16 (34.78%) had RLS symptoms. The patient group included 34.78% predialysis, 34.78% peritoneal dialysis, and 30.44% hemodialysis patients, with a median age of 47.98 years. There was no difference in age, gender, and Charlson comorbidity between patients with or without RLS (p = 0.881, p = 0.702, p = 0.650). RLS prevalence varied across CKD subgroups, with hemodialysis patients having a higher prevalence (p = 0.036). Clinical parameters such as blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, platelet counts, and parathyroid hormone levels exhibited significant differences between patients with and without RLS (p < 0.05). Serum selenium levels were not significantly different between patients with and without RLS (p = 0.327). Conclusions: With an increased comorbidity burden, CKD poses a significant healthcare challenge. When accompanied by RLS, this burden can be debilitating. The difference in CKD stages between groups has shed light on a critical determinant of RLS in this population, emphasizing the role of the chronic kidney disease stage. In our study, serum selenium levels were not associated with the presence and severity of RLS. However, prospective studies with larger numbers of participants are needed to draw a definitive conclusion.

Sex-specific patterns of discomfort in patients with restless legs syndrome.

Sex differences in the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) have been reported, with a higher prevalence in women than in men. However, sex differences in clinical presentation remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the phenotypic differences in patients with RLS between sexes by comparing clinical presentations, iron status, polysomnographic parameters, and treatment. We retrospectively evaluated 614 patients (225 men, 389 women) diagnosed with RLS. To enhance the robustness of the study, an age-matched control group of 179 men and 286 women without sleep disorders was also included. Information on demographics and sleep-related questionnaires were collected. Iron status was evaluated using blood samples, and polysomnography was performed to evaluate periodic leg movements and comorbid sleep disorders. Our analysis revealed no sex difference in the severity of RLS but a difference in the pattern of symptoms. Women had more frequent symptoms of pain and awakening during sleep, while men had more common motor symptoms (both self-reported symptoms and periodic leg movement on polysomnography). Women with RLS also had lower iron parameters and received more frequent iron supplementation therapy than men. In contrast to women with RLS, who presented higher sleep disturbances and depressive mood, men with RLS had a higher risk of comorbidities such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease. These sex differences were notably more pronounced than in the control group. This study suggests that sex differences exist in RLS phenotypes, and clinicians should consider these differences for treatment. Kim J, Kim JR, Park HR, Joo EY. Sex-specific patterns of discomfort in patients with restless legs syndrome. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(2):253-259.

Prevalence of Current Restless Legs Syndrome Symptoms Among Patients Treated with Buprenorphine/Naloxone for Opioid Use Disorder.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) in patients with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) taking buprenorphine/naloxone maintenance therapy, and to assess symptom frequency, severity, and sleep disruption due to RLS. Surveys inquired about demographic information, amount of time on maintenance treatment, previous drug use, current prescribed medications and alcohol use, and RLS symptoms. Participants were determined to have definite, probable, possible, or no RLS symptoms based on pre-established criteria from the Cambridge-Hopkins Questionnaire. The sample (n=129) was 33.3% female, 81.5% white, and the mean age was 40.6 years (SD=11.9). The median duration of buprenorphine/naloxone use was 3 years. 13.2% of participants had definite/probable RLS symptoms; these symptoms tended to be of moderate severity, occur at least 5-15 times a month, and disrupt sleep to a moderate degree. Of the 17 participants with definite/probable RLS symptoms, just four were taking a medication commonly used to alleviate RLS. An additional 7.0% had possible RLS symptoms. Relatively high rates of current RLS symptoms were observed; the prevalence of clinically significant RLS was notably higher than that seen in the general population or in previously assessed clinical populations. RLS is common in those acutely withdrawing from opioids, and our data demonstrate that these symptoms are present in a sizable portion of patients on OUD maintenance therapy. Most patients with definite/probable current RLS symptoms did not report taking prescribed medications that have established efficacy for RLS.

Restless Leg Syndrome in Hospitalized Psychiatric Patients in Mashhad

Background and Objective Sleep disorders, especially restless leg syndrome (RLS), have in recent years been recognized as common problems that increase the risk of mental disorders, anxiety, and depression, and lead to decreased quality of life and social isolation. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the frequency of RSL in psychiatric patients admitted to Ibn Sina Hospital, Mashhad, Iran during 2020–2021.Methods Eligible individuals were selected using available sampling, and after determining the type of psychiatric disorder, the demographic and medical information of patients were recorded. The RLS assessment questionnaire was used to evaluate the purpose of the study.Results Of the 150 hospitalized patients with psychiatric disorders, 67 (44.7%) were male, and the mean age of the subjects was 34.63 ± 10.80 years. RLS was not observed in 100 patients (66.7%); however, mild RLS was shown in 33 patients (22%), while severe type was shown in 17 patients (11.3%). The prevalence of major depressive disorder and lithium consumption was significantly higher in people with RLS than in those without the syndrome (p = 0.047 and p = 0.012, respectively).Conclusions These results indicate that there is a relationship between the prevalence of RLS and some psychological disorders and medications that are commonly used in this field. Managing the symptoms of this syndrome by better understanding its predisposing factors can lead to better management of patients.

A cross-sectional study on restless legs syndrome (RLS) in polycythemia vera (PV): is iron deficiency the only culprit?

ABSTRACT Introduction In polycythemia vera (PV) patients undergoing phlebotomy, iron deficiency (ID) may develop. ID has been linked to restless legs syndrome (RLS), and in one study, 29.6% of PV patients had RLS. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of RLS in PV and to evaluate factors that might play a role in RLS development among PV and essential thrombocythemia (ET) patients. Methods We consecutively included PV cases as the patient group, and ET and ID patients and healthy subjects (HSs) were included as controls. Those with conditions that could lead to RLS were excluded. All subjects were questioned according to the diagnostic criteria of the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group. Results Twenty-seven PV, 23 ET, and 22 ID patients and 23 HSs were included. RLS was detected in 25.9%, 34.8%, and 45.5% of PV, ET, and ID patients, respectively. None of the HSs had RLS. In univariate analysis, interferon-α and anagrelide use, magnesium levels, and the Leeds assessment of neuropathic symptoms and signs (LANSS) scores had a significant impact on RLS in PV and ET patients (p = 0.014, p = 0.032, p = 0.036, and p = 0.003, respectively). Conclusion RLS was more common among PV and ET patients than HSs, which was irrespective to the iron status. RLS was more frequent in ET patients than that observed in PV cases, indicating that ID may not be the only causative factor for RLS development in PV. Further prospective studies are needed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of RLS developing in PV and ET.

The Prevalence of Restless Legs Syndrome Among Pregnant Women in Saudi Arabia.

Pregnancy hasbeenassociatedwith restlesslegssyndrome (RLS). RLS is underdiagnosed in most countries. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of RLS among Saudi pregnant women. This cross-sectional study included 459 pregnant women from all Saudi provinces between December 2022 and March 2023. A structured online questionnaire assessing demographic and pregnancy characteristics, medical conditions, sleep quality, and RLS symptoms was conducted. The prevalence of RLS was 26.6% among the participants. Calcium deficiency was significantly associated with RLS (adjusted odds ratio (OR)=2.16, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.2-3.9, p=0.01), but there was no significant association between RLS and vitamin D and iron deficiencies (p>0.05), according to multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. Moreover, RLS increased the risk of insomnia and frequent waking up(adjusted OR=4.95, 95% CI=2.50-9.83, p<0.001, and adjusted OR=2.87, 95% CI=1.55-5.32, p=0.001, respectively). RLS is common among pregnant women in Saudi Arabia. The study indicates that RLS during pregnancy is linked tocalcium deficiency and negatively affects sleep quality.

Restless leg syndrome in multiple sclerosis: a case-control study.

This study assessed the prevalence of restless leg syndrome (RLS) among patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) and the association between RLS and MS disease duration, sleep disturbance, and daytime fatigue. In this cross-sectional study, we interviewed 123 patients via phone calls using preset questionnaires containing the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) diagnostic criteria, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) diagnostic criteria validated in both Arabic and English. The prevalence of RLS in MS was compared to a group of healthy controls. The prevalence of RLS in pwMS, defined by meeting all four requirements included in the IRLSSG diagnostic criteria, was 30.3% compared to 8.3% in the control group. About 27.3% had mild RLS, 36.4% presented with moderate, and the remaining had severe or very severe symptoms. Patients with MS who experience RLS had a 2.8 times higher risk of fatigue compared to pwMS without RLS. pwMS with RLS had worse sleep quality, with a mean difference of 0.64 in the global PSQI score. Sleep disturbance and latency had the most significant impact on sleep quality. The prevalence of RLS among MS patients was significantly higher compared to the control group. We recommend educating neurologists and general physicians to increase their awareness of the increasing prevalence of RLS and its association with fatigue and sleep disturbance in patients with MS.