Objective:
The restless legs syndrome (RLS) is characterized by unpleasant sensations and pain in the legs, irresistible urge to move the legs, especially when resting and often accompanied by sleep disorders. RLS prevalence is up to 80% in hemodialysis patients. It is such an important clinical condition that is associated with increased mortality. Moreover etiopathogenesis is not clear. We aimed to evaluate vascular disorders, heart rate variability, oxidative stress parameter in hemodialysis patients with RLS.
Material and Methods:
Study was conducted with hemodialysis patients. Twenty five patients diagnosed as RLS with International Restless Legs Study Group criteria, and twenty five patients without RLS (control group) were included to the study. Patients were examined with complete blood count and biochemical assays, Kt/V, oxidative stress parameter such as malon dialdehyde and sulphydryl, lower extremity Doppler ultrasonography and 24 hour holter heart rate variability.
Results:
Patients with RLS had significantly lower hemoglobin and sodium levels (p:0.025 ve p:0.038). Tibialis posterior and anterior artery flow was significantly reduced in patients with RLS (p:0.011 ve p:0.010). There was significant correlation about low hemoglobin and sodium level and reduced tibialis posterior and anterior artery flow. With logistic regression analysis, only hemoglobin was determined as independent factor on RLS (OR 6.211 [%95 CI 1.368-26.176] p=0.018).
Conclusion:
It is concluded that hemoglobin is an important independent factor for progression to RLS. Therefore hemoglobin level must be maintained in normal range especially in patients with RLS.
Keywords: Restless legs syndrome, oxidative stress, heart rate variability, otonomic dysfunction, vascular disease