Treatment of restless legs syndrome with iron infusion therapy

Initially, the patient in this case received CPAP for sleep apnea and pramipexole for RLS. Her symptoms failed to resolve, which led to consultation with a sleep specialist who recommended diagnostic studies that identified an underlying iron/ferritin deficiency. After receiving IV iron therapy, the patient's RLS symptoms resolved. Only about one-quarter of patients with RLS symptoms receive an appropriate diagnosis, and thus, many are treated less than optimally. Agents used to treat RLS have been heavily advertised, and patients may request a prescription from their health care provider. This case reaffirms the importance of the medical history and diagnostic studies when evaluating a patient with symptoms of RLS. Screening first for iron/ferritin deficiency may prevent subjecting patients to the potential side effects of unnecessary medications.