| چکیده انگلیسی مقاله |
Introduction: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a poorly understood sensory-motor neurological disorder whose prevalence in Caucasian populations ranges from 10-15%. The patient reports unpleasant sensations in the lower limbs with dysesthesia resulting in an urge to move the legs. The symptoms occur during periods of inactivity, increasing in the evening and at night. Moving the legs provides relief. These problems could affect patients’ quality of life and may need to be treated. Although common, RLS often escapes diagnosis and many patients are referred to different clinics. Objective: Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in Iranian patients who referred to neurology and orthopedic clinics. Patients & Methods: A total of 1103 non-traumatic patients consecutively admitted to the neurology and orthopedic outpatient clinics of Rasoul-e-Akram, Shafa Yahyaeian and Milad hospitals were studied. The diagnosis of RLS was based on the criteria adopted by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group Rating Scale (IRLS). Also another variables such as demographics, chief complaint, family history of RLS and systemic diseases were recorded in the check list. The data were analyzed using SPSS v.13 software. Chi 2 and Independent T-test were used in analysis. Results: Out of 1103, RLS was detected in 116 (10.5%) patients. The prevalence of RLS among patients who referred to neurology and orthopedic outpatient clinics was 9.7% and 11%, respectively, whereas, only 3 (2.7%) patients were admitted with chief complaint of RLS symptoms. The prevalence of RLS was significantly higher in women than men (15% vs.4.3%, P<0.001) and the mean age of RLS patients was significantly higher than non-RLS patients [47.9 (SD=15.34) years vs.40.71 (SD=17.8) years, P<0.001]. Additionally, Thyroid diseases (11.2% vs.4.7%, P=0.033), family history of RLS (28.4% vs.0.6%, P<0.001) and upper limb involvement (15.5% vs.0.1%, P<0.001) were more reported in RLS patients. Conclusion: The prevalence of RLS in the general population is poorly known and it differs in different countries. The results of our study show the considerable prevalence of RLS in Iranian patients. However, most of them are referred to orthopedic clinics than neurology. In addition, thyroid diseases and family history of RLS are associated with RLS. It seems that increasing both patients and physicians knowledge about RLS may lead to better diagnosis, treatment and improvement of RLS symptoms. Keyword: Restless Legs Syndrome, Prevalence, Neurology Clinic, Orthopedic Clinic |
