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Is preeclampsia associated with restless legs syndrome?
J O Ramirez1, S A S Cabrera, H Hidalgo
1Hospital Nacional Docente Madre Niño San Bartolome, Lima, Peru.
Sleep Medicine
|July 30, 2013
Summary
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) affects 18.4% of pregnant Peruvian women, particularly those not receiving iron. RLS in pregnancy is linked to increased daytime sleepiness and a higher risk of preeclampsia.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Obstetrics
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological disorder, with secondary causes including pregnancy and iron deficiency.
- RLS prevalence during pregnancy typically ranges from 11% to 27%.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and characteristics of RLS in pregnant women in Peru.
- To investigate potential complications of RLS during pregnancy and delivery.
Main Methods:
- 218 pregnant women in Lima, Peru, were assessed using standard RLS diagnostic criteria and interviews.
- Standardized questionnaires assessed RLS severity, idiopathic RLS (IRLS), and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) via the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).
- Blood tests for hemoglobin and hematocrit were conducted; RLS patients were matched with controls for age and BMI.
Main Results:
- 18.4% of participants (40/218) met RLS diagnostic criteria.
- RLS patients were less likely to have received prophylactic iron supplementation (P=.02).
- Pregnant women with RLS reported higher ESS scores (10.6 vs. 7.6; P<.001) and had a higher incidence of preeclampsia (7/40 vs. 1/39; P=.03).
Conclusions:
- RLS is prevalent in pregnant Peruvian women, especially those without iron supplementation.
- RLS is associated with increased excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and a higher occurrence of preeclampsia.
- This study suggests a potential association between Restless Legs Syndrome and preeclampsia in pregnancy.
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