Association Between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Restless Legs Syndrome: A Comparative Study With Control Group

Abstract

Background/AimsAs a common gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been reported to be associated with some psychological and neurological factors. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence rate of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in a sample of IBS patients and to compare this prevalence with that of matched healthy controls.MethodsThis prospective comparative study was conducted in Tehran, Iran during 2010-2011. Based on the Rome III criteria, a total number of 225 definite IBS patients and 262 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited in the final assessment to compare the prevalence rate of RLS between the 2 groups.ResultsRLS was significantly more frequent in IBS group (25.3% vs 6.5%, P < 0.001) which led to an odds ratio (OR) of 4.89 (95% CI, 2.75-8.70). IBS patients with co-morbid RLS significantly suffered more from stomach pain (96.5% vs 86.3%, OR = 4.36 [95% CI, 1.00-19.12]), nausea (40.4% vs 21.4%, OR = 2.48 [95% CI, 1.30-4.73]) and vomiting (10.5% vs 2.4%, OR = 4.82 [95% CI, 1.31-17.76]).ConclusionsBy enrolling a considerable number of IBS patients and healthy controls, our study showed a significantly higher prevalence of RLS in IBS patients. Surprisingly, a higher prevalence rate of RLS was also accompanied with a more severe discomfort and stomach pain in IBS patients. It seems that screening patients with IBS for RLS may lead to greater identification of RLS and improved treatment for both conditions.

Use of antidepressants and risks of restless legs syndrome in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A population-based cohort study

“…Moreover, changes in the small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)-related inflammatory mediator impaired communication between enteric and central nervous system are reported as the pathogenetic mechanisms [5]. A couple of studies have suggested that sleep disorders, particularly restless legs syndrome (RLS), are possible comorbidities in IBS patients [6, 7]. According to the previous studies, nearly 25%–30% of IBS patients experience RLS [6–8].…”

“…A couple of studies have suggested that sleep disorders, particularly restless legs syndrome (RLS), are possible comorbidities in IBS patients [6, 7]. According to the previous studies, nearly 25%–30% of IBS patients experience RLS [6–8].…”

Severity and frequency of restless legs syndrome in patients with familial Mediterranean fever

“…RLS occurs with increased frequency during the course of several systemic inflammatory diseases. 5 – 11 …”

Patients with primary restless legs syndrome have higher prevalence of autonomic dysfunction and irritable bowel syndrome

“…Furthermore, intensity of discomfort and abdominal pain are more common in patients with IBS and RLS. (16) The prevalence of RLS in patients with other gastrointestinal disorders, such as coeliac disease or Crohn's disease, was found to be 25% and 30%, respectively. (17,18) However, only a few studies with small sample sizes have examined the prevalence of autonomic dysfunction in patients with RLS.…”

“…(12) More studies have investigated the prevalence of RLS among patients with autonomic complaints and IBS. (13)(14)(15) A prospective comparative study by Borji et al (16) found a significantly higher prevalence of RLS among patients with IBS (25%). Furthermore, intensity of discomfort and abdominal pain are more common in patients with IBS and RLS.…”