Restless Legs Syndrome in Iranian Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Case‑Control Study

Abstract

Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common movement disorder. The occurrence of this syndrome is due to genetic factors and lifestyle. This study performed to determine restless legs syndrome (RLS) prevalence in Iranian multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and the possible risk factors.

Methods: This cross‑sectional study was conducted with MS patients, and the age‑ and sex‑matched control group comprised healthy persons. Then, all subjects were asked about RLS symptoms. After the diagnosis of RLS, the patients were divided into two groups: With and without RLS. In both groups, the following variables were evaluated: Age, sex, other underlying disease, duration of MS, MS course, family history of RLS, history of anemia, and drug intakes. The severity of the disease in subjects diagnosed with RLS was also evaluated.

Results: A total of 126 patients in the MS group and 126 healthy controls were included in the study, with no statistically significant differences between them in terms of age and gender. In MS group, 82 (65.1%) and, in control group, 16 (12.7%) had RLS. The frequency of RLS in the MS patients was significantly higher than that in the control group. Among MS patients, 60 male (73.2%) and 22 female (26.8%) had RLS. Mean age of MS patients with RLS was significantly higher than that in MS patients without RLS. MS patients and higher EDSS score had more RLS symptoms.

Conclusions: We suggest that RLS always be considered during neurological examinations of MS patients.

Keywords: Case‑control, Iran, multiple sclerosis, restless legs syndrome