Iron Metabolism and the Role of Iron Therapy in Pediatric Restless Leg Syndrome

Iron metabolism in the body is strictly regulated and organ specific. Intestinal iron absorption is mediated through complex mechanisms and is mainly regulated by a peptide called hepcidin that controls iron fluxes into plasma. Iron is transported by circulating transferrin and is stored in the protein called ferritin. Iron homeostasis in the brain is regionally regulated through complex interactions involving many genes and biochemical pathways under circadian influences. This article reviews iron metabolism and how brain iron deficiency plays a role in the pathogenesis of restless leg syndrome (RLS). The role of iron therapy in management of RLS and PLMD in pediatric population will be discussed.