SleepCited

Exploration of restless legs syndrome under the new concept: A review.

Zhao Liu, Ruiqian Guan, Limin Pan
Review Medicine 2022 15 citations

Study Design

Study Type
review
Population
Patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS); narrative review including recent pathophysiological and treatment developments
Intervention
Exploration of restless legs syndrome under the new concept: A review. iron supplementation for reduced iron stores; gabapentin or pregabalin (first-line); pramipexole (do
Comparator
no treatment; other pharmacological agents
Primary Outcome
RLS symptom control; quality of life improvement
Effect Direction
Positive
Risk of Bias
Unclear

Abstract

Restless leg syndrome (Restless legs syndrome, RLS) is a common neurological disorder. The pathogenesis of RLS remains unknown, and recent pathophysiological developments have shown the contribution of various genetic markers, neurotransmitter dysfunction, and iron deficiency to the disease, as well as other unidentified contributing mechanisms, particularly chronic renal dysfunction. RLS enhancement syndrome is frequently observed in patients with RLS who have received long-term dopamine agonist therapy, manifesting as a worsening of RLS symptoms, usually associated with an increase in the dose of dopamine agonist. Some patients with RLS can adequately control their symptoms with non-pharmacological measures such as massage and warm baths. First-line treatment options include iron supplementation for those with evidence of reduced iron stores, or gabapentin or pregabalin, as well as dopamine agonists, such as pramipexole. Second-line therapies include opioids such as tramadol. RLS seriously affects the quality of life of patients, and because its pathogenesis is unclear, more biological evidence and treatment methods need to be explored.

TL;DR

RLS enhancement syndrome is frequently observed in patients with RLS who have received long-term dopamine agonist therapy, manifesting as a worsening of RLS symptoms, usually associated with an increase in the dose of dopamine agonists.

Used In Evidence Reviews