Restless legs syndrome in patients on hemodialysis: Frequency, severity and risk factors

Abstract

Objective. Restless legs syndrome is a neurologic disorder which especially affects patients on hemodialysis. The aim of our study was to estimate the frequency and severity of restless legs syndrome in hemodialysis patients' population and explore possible connection with some factors by analyzing differences in patients' sociodemographic characteristics, existence and severity of coexistent diseases, biochemical parameters and dialysis type between the patients with and without this syndrome. Methods. 96 subjects were included in our crosssectional study. The diagnosis of restless legs syndrome was made by using criteria of International Restless Legs Study Group. Severity of the syndrome was evaluated through the use of Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale questionnaire. Results. Restless legs syndrome was found in 39.6% of subjects. The most of patients had moderate (36.8%) or severe symptoms (50%). There was no statistically significant difference between the patients with and without restless legs syndrome regarding sociodemographic and biochemical characteristics and dialysis type. In terms of coexistent disease, it was found that patients with restless legs syndrome had a significantly greater frequency of ischemic heart disease and depression compared to the patients without the syndrome. There was no difference in index of coexistent disease. Severity of depression and insomnia was higher in patients with restless legs syndrome. Conclusion. This study confirmed that restless legs syndrome is very frequent in hemodialysis patients and indicated that even two-third of patients had severe to very severe symptoms. For future research, it is necessary to direct attention to influence of comorbidity in hemodialysis patient on restless legs syndrome, especially on influence of psychiatric disorders.