Restless leg syndrome in chronic hemodialysis patients in Mashhad hemodialysis centers

Abstract

Introduction: Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a sensory motor disorder. Patients with this syndrome have serious and uncontrollable desire to move their legs, which is mostly due to an uncomfortable feeling intensified when they are motionless. It may be a genetic disorder or secondary to iron deficiency, neurodegenerations, pregnancy, some drugs and severe kidney diseases. Objectives: This study was designed to find out the prevalence and its risk factors of RLS in hemodialysis patients. Patients and Methods: This multicenter cross-sectional study was done on 260 hemodialysis patients. The prevalence of RLS was measured using International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG)’s RLS Questionnaire (RLSQ). Potential risk factors for RLS including underlying cause of chronic renal failure, duration on dialysis, biochemical tests, dialysis adequacy, and erythropoietin and also venofer dosage in recent month and demographic data were also evaluated. Results: The prevalence of RLS was 55% including 59.4% males and 40.6% females. Their mean age of RLS patients and their dialysis duration were significantly higher than other group (P<0.05). Their body mass index (BMI) and serum calcium were significantly higher (P<0.05). However erythropoietin dosage and serum hemoglobin level were lower in RLS patients (P<0.05). Significant predictors of RLS were history of diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), smoking (P<0.05). There was not significant relation between RLS and dialysis adequacy, serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), urea, ferritin and venofer dosage (P>0.05). Conclusion: According to the results, RLS is a common disorder in hemodialysis patients which can affect strongly on their life. So particular attention and sooner diagnosis of RLS in high risk patients for better management is necessary.

The association between the prevalence of restless leg syndrome, fatigue, and sleep quality in patients undergoing hemodialysis

“…Many previous studies found a more increased incidence of comorbid conditions, such as DM and hypertension, in dialysis patients with RLS than in those without RLS, 7 , 13 , 15 while one study failed to identify such a relationship. 12 In our study, the 2 groups had comparable rates of hypertension and diabetes.…”

“…According to our analyses, cigarette smoking and coffee consumption were not associated with RLS in CRF patients. However, it should be noted that controversial results have been obtained in previous studies examining the association between RLS and cigarette smoking and coffee consumption, with some studies reporting an association, 11 , 15 as compared to those finding no such association. 12 Again, tea consumption was found to be unrelated to the development of RLS as was found in another study.…”

“…Globally, the reported prevalence of RLS in dialysis patients varies significantly from 6.6% to 70%. 4 , 13 , 15 Patients with RLS are more likely to have diabetes and hypertension, 7 and they are more likely to be female. 8 However, some other studies failed to observe a link between diabetes, hypertension, gender, and RLS.…”

“… 12 Again, tea consumption was found to be unrelated to the development of RLS as was found in another study. 15 …”

“… 4 In another study with 260 dialysis patients, Saraji et al found that the prevalence of RLS was 55%, reporting a higher mean age and duration of dialysis for the RLS group. 15 Dikici et al conducted a study on the prevalence of RLS in Turkey, finding a rate of 45.9% as well as higher anxiety and insomnia in RLS patients. 9 …”