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Restless Legs Syndrome in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy
John W Winkelman1, Natalie R Grant2, Francine Molay3
1Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Sleep Medicine
|March 4, 2022
Summary
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) affects 40.6% of adults with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a neurodegenerative disease. This RLS prevalence may worsen sleep issues and daily function in ALD patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive gait and balance impairments.
- Patients with ALD often experience leg discomfort, sleep disturbances, and pain, leading to significant daily disability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and severity of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) in adult patients diagnosed with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD).
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 32 adults with ALD was assessed using questionnaires and diagnostic telephone interviews to evaluate RLS severity.
- Retrospective data extraction included neurological examinations, functional gait assessments, and laboratory findings.
Main Results:
- A significant prevalence of RLS was observed, with 13 out of 32 patients (40.6%) meeting RLS criteria.
- RLS was more common in females (10/21) than males (3/11).
- Patients with RLS exhibited more myelopathy-related symptoms compared to those without RLS, but no significant difference in brain demyelination was noted.
Conclusions:
- This pilot study indicates a high prevalence of Restless Legs Syndrome in adults with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy.
- RLS may be an underrecognized contributor to sleep disturbances and reduced quality of life in the ALD population.
- Further research is warranted to explore the relationship between ALD and RLS.
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