Restless legs syndrome in axial spondyloarthritis: predictors and clinical correlates

This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and to investigate its relationship with diagnostic delay, disease activity, physical function, enthesitis, and sleep quality.

A total of 130 patients with axSpA were included. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were recorded. Disease-related outcome measures, sleep quality, and RLS were assessed. Logistic regression analysis was employed to evaluate potential predictors associated with RLS.

The frequency of RLS was 24.6% among patients with axSpA. Diagnostic delay, patient global assessment (PtGA), BASDAI, BASMI, BASFI, MASES,and Jenkins Sleep Evaluation Scale (JSS) scores were significantly higher in patients with RLS than in those without RLS. In univariate regression analyses, BMI, HLA-B27 status, diagnostic delay, PtGA, BASDAI, BASFI, MASES, and JSS scores were significantly associated with RLS. In the multivariable model, diagnostic delay remained the only independent factor associated with the presence of RLS (odds ratio (OR) = 1.105, 95% CI: 1.015-1.204, p = 0.022).

This study revealed that approximately one-quarter of patients with axSpA have RLS. Diagnostic delay was independently associated with the presence of RLS. These findings highlight the potential clinical importance of early diagnosis and comprehensive disease management in reducing the burden of RLS in patients with axSpA. Key Points • Restless legs syndrome (RLS) was observed in 24.6% of patients with axial spondyloarthritis. • Diagnostic delay was independently associated with the presence of RLS • Early diagnosis and optimal disease control may reduce the burden of RLS and improve the quality of life.