Search

Unlabelled: This study was designed to assess the initial psychometric properties of a new disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQL) measure, the Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Quality of Life Instrument (RLS-QLI).Methods: Draft items were generated from a literature review, consultation with MD and PhD specialists in the fields of neurology and sleep medicine, and input from two patient focus groups. The initial item reduction was accomplished using a survey of 392 persons with self-reported RLS symptoms from the membership of the RLS Foundation. The final (independent) validation sample consisted of 574 of persons on the RLS Foundation's Interest Group List Serve who also reported having RLS. The mean age of participants was 54.5 (SD 12.3), with a sex ratio of 1M:2F, and the majority was on some form of medication for RLS (66%).Results: Four factors were identified (Daily Function, Social Function, Sleep Quality, and Emotional Well-Being) consisting of 17 items that explained 73.3% of the total variance. Each scale had good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha's between 0.85 and 0.91) and 2-week test retest stability (Pearson Correlations between 0.81 and 0.93). Convergent validity was demonstrated using related scales on the SF-36 (r = 0.47-0.60) and criterion-related validity was shown using the clinical IRLS Scale of Symptom Severity (r = -0.45 to -0.77).Conclusion: The RLS-QLI is a valid disease-specific HRQL instrument that will contribute to our understanding of how RLS impacts the lives of those affected with this CNS disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For peripheral iron to reach the brain, it must transverse the blood–brain barrier. In order for the brain to obtain iron, transferrin receptors are present in the vascular endothelial cell to facilitate movement of transferrin bound iron into the brain parenchyma. However, a number of significant voids exist in our knowledge about transport of iron into the brain. These gaps in our knowledge are significant not only because iron is an essential neurotrophic factor but also because the system for delivery of iron into the brain is being viewed as an opportunity to circumvent the blood–brain barrier for delivery of neurotoxins to tumors or trophic factors in neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we have used fluorescein-transferrin-59Fe in a bovine retinal endothelial cell culture system to determine the mechanism of transferrin–iron transport and to test the hypothesis that the iron status of the endothelial cells would influence iron transport. Our results indicated that iron is transported across endothelial cells both bound to and not bound to transferrin. The ratio of non-transferrin-bound iron to transferrin-bound iron transported is dependent upon the iron status of the cells. Blocking acidification of endosomes led to a significant decrease in transport of non-transferrin-bound iron but not transferrin-bound iron. Blocking pinocytosis had no effect on either transferrin or iron transcytosis. These results indicate that there is both transferrin-mediated and non-transferrin-mediated transcytosis of iron and that the process is influenced by the iron status of the cells. These data have considerable implications for common neurodegenerative diseases that are associated with excess brain iron accumulation and the numerous neurological complications associated with brain iron deficiency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sleep-related disorder principally characterised by leg paresthesia associated with an irresistible urge to move. A majority of RLS patients experience periodic leg movements during sleep (PLMS) and wakefulness. Pharmacological evidence suggests that RLS-PLMS may be caused by a central nervous system dopaminergic (DA) dysfunction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the striatal pre- and postsynaptic DA status in patients suffering from both RLS and PLMS, by means of [123I]b-CIT and [123I]IBZM SPECT respectively. Ten drug-naïve patients and ten age-matched controls participated in this study. All participants were recorded for at least one night of polysomnography before the SPECT studies. No difference was seen in DA transporter ([123I]b-CIT) binding between RLS-PLMS patients (MD=4.89) and controls (MD=4.81; p=0.81). The study of the striatal D2-receptor binding ([123I]IBZM) revealed a significantly lower binding in patients (MD= 1.72) compared with controls (MD=1.85; p=0.006). These results support the hypothesis that a central DA dysfunction is involved in the physiopathology of RLS-PLMS. Several mechanisms may be responsible for the decrease of the D2-receptor binding. However, since [123I]b-CIT binding is normal, a decreased number of D2-receptors or a decreased affinity of D2-receptors for [123I]IBZM is more likely than an increased level of synaptic DA with attendant down-regulation of D2-receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To clarify the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in the chronic kidney disease (CKD) population and determine the relationship between severity of renal dysfunction and risk of RLS as well as the impact of the disorder on mood and sleep disturbance, we conducted a questionnaire survey followed by face-to-face interviews with Japanese CKD patients. Methods: We sent a questionnaire battery including demographics items, the National Institutes of Health/International RLS Study Group (IRLSSG) consensus questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to eligible CKD patients (n =514) and age- and sex-matched controls (n =535). Structured interviews were performed for the diagnosis of RLS. Results: The prevalence of positive RLS in the CKD subjects was significantly higher than that in the controls (3.5% vs. 1.5%, p =0.029). The proportion of renal failure (RF) in CKD subjects with RLS was significantly higher than in those without RLS, and multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of RLS symptoms was associated only with the existence of RF. In addition, the presence of both RLS and CKD was significantly associated with the presence of depression and sleep disturbance. Conclusions: The risk of RLS in the CKD population was higher than that in the general population and increased with the progression of renal dysfunction. Additionally, the existence of RLS might play a role in an increased risk for developing depression and sleep disturbance in the CKD population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Study Objective: Studies have shown increased prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in sleep disordered breathing (SDB), however limited data have focused on the impact of SDB therapy on RLS. We hypothesize that positive airway pressure (PAP) will improve the International Restless Legs Syndrome (IRLS) score among SDB patients compared to patients without PAP. Methods: Patients with AHI ≥ 5 who responded positively to a RLS qualifier question from January 2010 to May 2015 were included in this retrospective study. IRLS score was used to measure RLS symptom severity. Two-sample t-tests and one-way analysis of variance were used to compare changes in IRLS score and linear regression models were created to examine IRLS change with PAP use and PAP adherence (PAP usage ≥4 h nightly for ≥70% of nights), adjusting for potential confounders. Results: In 434 patients (51.9 ± 13.4years, 50.5% female, 77.6% Caucasian; 325 PAP, 109 control), IRLS scores improved from baseline to follow-up, with the PAP group achieving significant improvement after adjustment for covariates (difference in IRLS: −1.8 (CI −3.6,0.00), p = 0.050). In self-reported PAP adherent patients, IRLS improvement was greater than controls (−5.3 ± 7.4 vs. −2.7 ± 7.6 respectively, p = 0.045), and comparable to non-adherent patients (−5.3 ± 7.4 vs. −3.0 ± 7.0, p = 0.091). Conclusions: Among SDB patients with a positive RLS qualifier, those who used PAP therapy achieved significantly greater improvement in IRLS scores than patients who did not use PAP, with more significant changes in the PAP adherent group. This is the first large clinical study to examine these relationships, providing a basis for future prospective interventional trials and informing clinicians of expected improvement in IRLS score in PAP treated SDB populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Objectives: Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are both characterized by sleep disturbance along with autoimmune/inflammatory features and autonomic dysfunction. However, to our knowledge, there has been no direct study looking at the prevalence of RLS in patients with POTS patients compared with healthy participants (controls)., Methods: Ninety-six physician-diagnosed patients with POTS (89 female and 7 male) and 130 controls (99 female and 31 male) were administered the Cambridge Hopkins questionnaire. Participants who were diagnosed with probable or definite RLS on the Cambridge Hopkins questionnaire were then contacted to determine the severity of RLS with the International Restless Legs Scale., Results: More patients with POTS (15 of 96; 15.6%) than controls (6 of 130; 4.6%) were diagnosed with probable or definite RLS on the Cambridge Hopkins questionnaire (P = .0048). A sensitivity analysis with only female respondents yielded similar results. RLS severity was in the moderate range (12.23 ± 9.22)., Conclusions: There is a higher prevalence of RLS in patients with POTS patients compared with controls. This association may have to do with shared increased inflammatory/autoimmune load and autonomic dysfunction., (© 2021 American Academy of Sleep Medicine.)

Sleep disorders, such as sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), insomnia or restless legs syndrome (RLS), are common in the general population and after stroke. In some cases, sleep disturbances are pre-existing, but can also appear de novo as a direct consequence of brain damage or due to stroke-related complications. Furthermore, some sleep conditions may act as a risk factor of stroke. This review explores the available evidence of the two-way relationship between sleep and stroke. Cardiovascular physiological changes during sleep are described, as well as the evidence on the relationship between stroke and sleep duration, SDB, RLS, insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and circadian rhythm alterations. Potential changes on sleep architecture, and the links that may exist between sleep and functional outcomes after stroke are also discussed. Importantly, sleep-related disturbances may be associated with worse stroke recovery outcomes and increased cerebrovascular morbidity. It is therefore relevant that the bidirectional association between stroke and sleep is taken into consideration by clinicians taking care of these patients. Future research may focus on this mutual relationship for a better understanding of the impact of stroke on sleep, the importance of sleep in stroke incidence and recovery, and have further evidence on treatment strategies that may improve functional outcome after stroke., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: Both authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/jtd-cus-2020-002). The series “5th Clinical Update Sleep” was commissioned by the editorial office without any funding or sponsorship. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2020 Journal of Thoracic Disease. All rights reserved.)

• Triple opioid receptor KO mice showed peripheral iron deficiency and anemia. • Triple opioid receptor KO mice showed diurnal hyperactivity. • Triple opioid receptor KO mice had decreased thermal sensitivity. • Triple opioid receptor KO mice showed decreased dopamine metabolism. Previous studies have uncovered a potential role of the opioid system in iron hemostasis and dopamine metabolism. Abnormalities in both of these systems have been noted in human RLS. Autopsy studies of human RLS have shown an endogenous opioid deficiency in the thalamus. Opioids, particularly prolonged-release oxycodone/naloxone, have been approved in Europe to be a second-line therapy for severe restless legs syndrome (RLS). To study the role of opioid receptors in the pathogenesis of RLS, we used a triple knockout (KO) mouse strain that lack mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptors and explored the behavioral and biochemical parameters relevant to RLS. The triple KO mice showed hyperactivity and a trend of increased probability of waking during the rest period (day) akin to that in human RLS (night). Surprisingly, triple KO mice also exhibit decreased serum iron concentration, evidence of anemia, a significant dysfunction in dopamine metabolism akin to that noted in human RLS, as well as an increased latency in response to thermal stimuli. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that the endogenous opioid system may play a role in iron metabolism and subsequently in the pathogenesis of anemia. It is also the first study showing that opioid receptors are involved in the production of motor restlessness with a circadian predominance. Our findings support the role of endogenous opioids in the pathogenesis of RLS, and the triple KO mice can be used to understand the relationship between iron deficiency, anemia, dopaminergic dysfunction, and RLS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) frequency, and its association with depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and fatigue, has not been previously studied in Latin American patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed to assess RLS frequency in patients with MS living in Argentina and to examine potential associations with depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders., Methods: A cross-sectional study (n = 427) was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire, including International RLS Study Group criteria, to compare RLS frequency in patients with MS versus controls. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Fatigue Severity Scale were administered to all participants. Insomnia, excessive daytime somnolence, and other risk factors in patients with MS with RLS were analyzed using logistic regression., Results: We included 189 patients with definite MS and 238 controls. The RLS frequency was 29.1% in patients with MS versus 13.0% in controls (odds ratio [OR] = 2.74, P = .00005). Moreover, clinically significant RLS (csRLS; ie, symptoms present ≥2 days per week) frequency was 19.4% in patients with MS versus 4.2% in controls (OR = 5.37, P < .00001). Longer MS duration and presence of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and smoking cigarettes were all significantly associated with RLS. Multivariate analysis showed that anxiety and fatigue were significantly associated with MS with RLS and MS with csRLS., Conclusions: Both RLS and csRLS showed strong association with MS, supporting the need to screen for anxiety/depression, sleep quality, and fatigue in this patient population. We believe that identifying the presence and severity of these conditions would contribute to better MS management and treatment., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

The objective of the current review was to update the previous evidence-based medicine review of treatments for restless legs syndrome published in 2008. All randomized, controlled trials (level I) with a high quality score published between January 2007 and January 2017 were reviewed. Forty new studies qualified for efficacy review. Pregabalin, gabapentin enacarbil, and oxycodone/naloxone, which did not appear in the previous review, have accrued data to be considered efficacious. Likewise, new data enable the modification of the level of efficacy for rotigotine from likely efficacious to efficacious. Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose and pneumatic compression devices are considered likely efficacious in idiopathic restless legs syndrome. Bupropion and clonidine were reviewed, but the lack of data determined a rating of insufficient evidence for efficacy. The following interventions continue to be considered efficacious as in 2008: levodopa, ropinirole, pramipexole, cabergoline, pergolide, and gabapentin. Bromocriptine, oxycodone, carbamazepine, and valproic acid are considered likely efficacious. Oral iron is nonefficacious in iron-sufficient subjects, but its benefit for patients with low peripheral iron status has not been adequately evaluated. Restless legs syndrome augmentation has been identified as a significant long-term treatment complication for pramipexole more than pregabalin and possibly for all dopaminergic agents more than α2δ ligands. Therefore, special monitoring for augmentation is required for all dopaminergic medications as well as tramadol. Other drugs also require special safety monitoring: cabergoline, pergolide, oxycodone, methadone, tramadol, carbamazepine, and valproic acid. Finally, we also highlighted gaps and needs for future clinical research and studies of restless legs syndrome. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society., (© 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.)

The circadian variation of sensory and motor symptoms with increasing severity in the evening and at night is a key diagnostic feature/symptom of the restless legs syndrome (RLS). Even though many neurological diseases have shown a strong nexus between motor and cognitive symptoms, it has remained unclear whether cognitive performance of RLS patients declines in the evening and which neurophysiological mechanisms are affected by the circadian variation. In the current study, we examined daytime effects (morning vs. evening) on cognitive performance in RLS patients (n = 33) compared to healthy controls (n = 29) by analyzing flanker interference effects in combination with EEG and source localization techniques. RLS patients showed larger flanker interference effects in the evening than in the morning (p = .023), while healthy controls did not display a comparable circadian variation. In line with this, the neurophysiological data showed smaller N1 amplitudes in RLS patients compared to controls in the interfering task condition in the evening (p = .042), but not in the morning. The results demonstrate diurnal cognitive changes in RLS patients with intensified impairments in the evening. It seems that not all dopamine-regulated cognitive processes are altered in RLS and thus show daytime-dependent impairments. Instead, the daytime-related cognitive impairment emerges from attentional selection processes within the extra-striate visual cortex, but not from later cognitive processes such as conflict monitoring and response selection.

Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) has been associated with insomnia, decreased quality of life, and increased morbidity and mortality in end-stage renal disease. This randomized controlled trial investigated effects of rotigotine in patients with RLS and end-stage renal disease., Study Design: Double-blind placebo-controlled study., Setting & Participants: Adults with moderate to severe RLS (International RLS Study Group Rating Scale [IRLS] ≥ 15) and Periodic Limb Movement Index (PLMI) ≥ 15 who were receiving thrice-weekly hemodialysis enrolled from sites in the United States and Europe., Intervention: Following randomization and titration (≤21 + 3 days) to optimal-dose rotigotine (1-3mg/24 h) or placebo, patients entered a 2-week maintenance period. Polysomnography was performed at baseline and the end of maintenance., Outcomes & Measurements: Primary efficacy outcome: reduction in PLMI, assessed by ratio of PLMI at end of maintenance to baseline. Secondary/other outcomes (P values exploratory) included mean changes from baseline in PLMI, IRLS, and Clinical Global Impression item 1 (CGI-1 [severity of illness]) score., Results: 30 patients were randomly assigned (rotigotine, 20; placebo, 10); 25 (15; 10) completed the study with evaluable data. Mean (SD) PLMI ratio (end of maintenance to baseline) was 0.7±0.4 for rotigotine and 1.3±0.7 for placebo (analysis of covariance treatment ratio, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.22 to 0.88; P=0.02). Numerical improvements were observed with rotigotine versus placebo in IRLS and CGI-1 (least squares mean treatment differences of -6.08 [95% CI, -12.18 to 0.02; P=0.05] and -0.81 [95% CI, -1.94 to 0.33; P=0.2]). 10 of 15 rotigotine and 2 of 10 placebo patients were CGI-1 responders (≥50% improvement). Hemodialysis did not affect unconjugated rotigotine concentrations. The most common adverse events (≥2 patients) were nausea (rotigotine, 4 [20%]; placebo, 0); vomiting (3 [15%]; 0); diarrhea (1 [5%]; 2 [20%]); headache (2 [10%]; 0); dyspnea (2 [10%]; 0); and hypertension (2 [10%]; 0)., Limitations: Small sample size and short duration., Conclusions: Rotigotine improved periodic limb movements and RLS symptoms in the short term among ESRD patients requiring hemodialysis in a small-scale study. No dose adjustments are necessary for hemodialysis patients., (Copyright © 2016 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The nonpharmacologic management of patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS) is an important part of the treatment. It can represent the entire treatment or it can be used as an adjuvant to pharmacologic options. The limited number of controlled studies allowed for a plethora of pseudoprofessional recommendations. Some of these suggestions may have a grain of truth and some are utterly dangerous. This review discusses the different potential treatments for RLS to facilitate the design of a tailored program for specific patients. Another goal of this review is to prompt the researcher to investigate some of the laymen suggestions., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) engenders restless legs syndrome (RLS, aka Willis-Ekbom disease). Intravenous (IV) iron can rapidly reverse IDA and would be expected to similarly reverse RLS caused by IDA. This is the first consecutive case series evaluating the effects of IV iron therapy on RLS occurring with IDA (RLS-IDA)., Methods: RLS-IDA patients were evaluated before and 7-12 months after a 1000-mg IV infusion of low-molecular-weight iron dextran (INFeD(@)) using validated questionnaires and standardized telephone interview. Patients were classified as respondent versus nonrespondent for RLS improvement., Results: Follow-up data were obtained on 42 (70%) of 60 consecutive RLS-IDA patients. The symptoms of RLS were reduced in 76% (32/42) with 47% (20/42) showing an extended response lasting >6 months. The response did not relate to age or gender, but tended to be less among African-Americans than Whites (40% (2/5) vs. 81% (30/37), p = 0.078). White respondents versus nonrespondents had higher hemoglobin levels after treatment (12.1 vs. 11.3 g/dl, p = 0.03)., Conclusions: RLS-IDA is reduced after administration of IV iron in most cases, but the 24% failing to respond was higher than expected. The nonrespondents all showed below-normal hemoglobin levels (<12.5 g/dl) suggesting a failure of adequate treatment of the iron deficiency. IV iron treatment of the RLS with IDA likely requires ensuring more than minimally adequate body iron stores to support iron delivery to the brain. For some, this may require a dose higher than the customary 1000-mg IV iron used for the treatment of either IDA or RLS alone., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Abstract: In recent years, a whole range of interesting and useful scales have been made available for the assessment of patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS). These can be more or less divided into severity scales (IRLS, RLS-6, JHSS), quality of life scales, and instruments for specific details (e.g. to improve diagnostic accuracy; RLS-DI), or to assess the presence and severity of augmentation (ASRS, SIDA). This manuscript reviews these scales, their specific strengths and weaknesses, validation status and results of their use in RLS populations. Specific scales are already well established in Parkinson’s disease, and a more widespread and frequent use of scales and questionnaires will also enhance clinical care and long-term monitoring of patients with RLS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: RLS is a common disorder which has an important impact on the health and quality of life of patients, with the main consequences being sleep-related. Special attention needs to be paid to patients with depression. The diagnosis of RLS is based on medical history and clinical examination. The most important laboratory examination is measurement of serum ferritin which should be >40μg/L. The presence of all four essential diagnostic criteria confirms the RLS diagnosis. To detect secondary forms, a clinical examination and laboratory investigations, especially measuring serum ferritin are required. Augmentation is a problem for some patients, especially those being treated with levodopa. However, augmentation can be controlled by using the lowest possible doses of nonergoline dopamine agonists or by using opioids, gabapentin or anti-epileptics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a distressing condition with an impact on various aspects of an individual’s life. However, the condition is underrecognized due to a lack of awareness and the fact that the patient does not describe symptoms easily associated with RLS. In clinical practice, the main misdiagnoses are the following: circulation problems, venous diseases, arthritis, back or spinal injury. It is possible to make a diagnosis of RLS based on the patient’s medical history and physical examination, in conjunction with the essential criteria of International RLS Study Group (IRLSSG). If the patient fulfils each of the four criteria, a diagnosis of RLS is likely. Supportive features (including response to a dopaminergic agent, and positive family history for RLS) as well as associated features (natural clinical course, sleep disturbance, normal findings on physical examination) are not necessary for a diagnosis to be made but may support the diagnosis in ambiguous cases. In most conditions that may be confused with RLS (sleep starts, nocturnal leg cramps, neuroleptic-induced akathisia, painful leg and moving toe syndrome), RLS can be excluded for the lack of response to the dopaminergic treatment, as well as for the lack of the typical circadian profile. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abnormal motor behaviors during sleep can be classified into four categories, ranging from myoclonic jerks to complex and integrated motor behaviors There have been recent developments in several of these conditions, in particular restless legs syndrome (RLS) and rapid-eye-movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD). RLS is one of the major causes of insomnia. Familial aggregation of RLS has been demonstrated by several groups, and molecular genetics studies have suggested the presence of susceptibility genes on chromosomes 12q and 14q. Pharmacologic and brain imaging studies suggest the involvement of dopaminergic mechanisms in RLS, but recent work has focused on brain iron metabolism. Studies indicate that RBD patients may eventually develop Parkinson''s disease (PD). Conversely, RBD has been found in patients already diagnosed with PD. Single-photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography studies have shown a decrease in binding to presynaptic dopamine transporter in both idiopathic RBD and PD. Patients with RBD (associated or unassociated with PD) also have neuropsychological deficits. RBD may therefore represent the prodrome of a neurodegenerative disease leading to multiple system atrophy and Lewy body dementia. Understanding the underlying pathophysiology of abnormal sleep motor behaviors may prove useful in the management of insomnia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: Investigation of daytime brain function, psychopathology, and objective and subjective sleep and awakening quality in restless legs syndrome (RLS) and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD).Methods: Thirty-three RLS and 26 PLMD patients free of psychotropic drugs were studied as compared with age- and sex-matched normal controls, utilizing electroencephalographic (EEG) mapping and clinical evaluations by the Zung Self-Rating Depression (SDS) and Anxiety Scale (SAS), the Quality of Life Index, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. In a subsample of 12 RLS patients, 12 PLMD patients, and 12 controls, objective and subjective sleep and awakening quality were evaluated in two sleep laboratory nights (adaptation and baseline night).Results: Scores of the PSQI, SDS, and SAS were found increased in both patient groups; RLS patients showed reduced quality of life, while in the PLMD group daytime sleepiness was increased. EEG mapping demonstrated findings characteristic of major depression in RLS patients and of generalized anxiety disorder in PLMD patients. Polysomnography showed a significant deterioration of sleep efficiency only for RLS patients, while nocturnal awakenings were increased in both patient groups. Concerning sleep architecture, both groups exhibited increased S1 and stage shifts and decreased S2, while only PLMD patients showed an increase in S4. The PLM/h TST, the PLM/h wake and the PLMS-arousal index were significantly increased in both patient groups as compared with controls. Subjective sleep and awakening quality and thymopsychic measures were deteriorated in RLS. Morning mental performance and fine motor activity were deteriorated in both groups, reaction time only in RLS, numerical memory and attention variability only in PLMD.Conclusion: EEG mapping revealed neurophysiological correlates of depression and anxiety in RLS and PLMD, respectively, which were confirmed by self-ratings of symptoms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This clinical study reports upon the efficacy of gabapentin (Neurontin) for treating severe akathisia (3 on the Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale) in two patients receiving quetiapine (Seroquel), one of whom also received olanzapine (Zyprexa) for a short period. The first patient participated in an open-label experiment in which the bedtime dose of gabapentin was discontinued three times at intervals 1 week apart, resulting in severe akathisia which was quickly terminated by taking his usual 1200 mg gabapentin dose. This patient was also taking high doses of two benzodiazepines and a beta blocker, without therapeutic effect upon his akathisia; only gabapentin was efficacious. The second case is a report of a woman taking a high dose of quetiapine for anxiety who experienced severe akathisia which was relieved by taking 1200 mg of gabapentin. Possible mechanisms of action of gabapentin are discussed. Particular attention is drawn to the difference between neuroleptic-induced akathisia and the neurological condition of restless legs syndrome.

There is an increasing incidence and prevalence of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Western industrialized countries and currently is estimated at approximately 10% of adults aged over 20 years. Renal failure causes an excessively increased risk of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular complications. Moreover, renal failure leads to a number of the neurologic symptoms neurologists are often confronted with. This chapter gives an overview of possible neurologic complications of acute renal failure and CKD. Complications of the central nervous system (e.g., uremic encephalopathy, disequilibrium syndrome, and drug induced disorders) are reviewed. It has long been known that uremia leads to peripheral nerve injury. Frequent neurological diseases such as uremic polyneuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, and a range of mononeuropathies are discussed., (© 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) affects 5-15% of adults, but is often unrecognized and consequently misdiagnosed. The International Restless Legs Scale (IRLS) has been developed and validated to assess the severity of RLS. Currently, the most common treatment for RLS is levodopa, but this may lead to augmentation of symptoms. Pramipexole has been developed as an alternative treatment for patients diagnosed with RLS., Aims: The objective of this article is to review the evidence of the effectiveness of pramipexole for the clinical management of patients with RLS., Evidence Review: There is clear evidence that pramipexole reduces the leg movements associated with RLS, as measured by improvements in both the IRLS and the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) score. There is also moderate evidence that the drug improves sleep quality. Pramipexole clearly improves the anxiety and depression often associated with RLS. Augmentation may be associated with pramipexole treatment, but the evidence is contradictory and augmentation may be more associated with patients pretreated with levodopa or with patients with primary RLS rather than those with secondary RLS. Pramipexole therapy appears to be well tolerated, with only mild-to-moderate adverse events reported., Outcomes Summary: Pramipexole reduces leg movements in RLS, and is well tolerated. Further investigation is required to confirm the preliminary evidence that pramipexole restores normal sleep architecture and restores a normal quality of life in patients with RLS. Health economic studies would be valuable in demonstrating the true impact of pramipexole on the social burden of RLS.