Restless legs syndrome among Saudi end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis

To determine the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in Saudi patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis.

A cross-sectional study was carried out in 3 hemodialysis centers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between June 2012 and September 2013. All patients were individually interviewed and data was collected on the following: demographic features, medical history, laboratory test, the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group questionnaire, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Berlin Questionnaire.

Three hundred and fifty-five patients were recruited. The prevalence of RLS among ESRD patients was 19.4%, with most patients having moderate to severe disease. The RLS was significantly associated with obstructive sleep apnea (p<0.0001) and excessive daytime sleepiness based on the ESS (p=0.009). The RLS showed no correlation with hemodialysis adequacy, chronicity, frequency per week, and hemodialysis duration per session; however, there was a weak negative relation between adequacy of hemodialysis and RLS severity. None of the comorbidities showed any association with RLS. The odds of developing RLS increased significantly with an increasing body mass index (p=0.001). Administration of aspirin (p=0.037) and anticoagulants (p=0.035) were also associated with increased risk of RLS.

Restless legs syndrome is common in ESRD patients on hemodialysis, and it is an important source of sleep disruption. In addition to body mass index, Aspirin and anticoagulants may be important risk factors.