Systemic Lupus and Risk of Restless Legs Syndrome

Abstract

These novel data indicate that RLS is more prevalent in women with SLE than in controls. Although obesity was a significant risk factor for RLS in our sample, the predictive covariates examined were limited.

Association between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, a new marker of systemic inflammation, and restless legs syndrome

“…In a study by Hassan et al, RLS was found to be more prevalent in women with systemic lupus erythematosus; obesity was also found to be a significant risk factor for RLS. (4) Another study showed that RLS had common comorbidities with rheumatoid arthritis. (17) All of these diseases associated with RLS have immunological and inflammatory mechanisms.…”

“…Secondary RLS occurs due to disease or conditions such as iron deficiency, chronic renal failure or pregnancy. (3) Previous studies have also associated it with systemic inflammatory diseases (4)(5)(6)(7) and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. (8) Hence, RLS may be related to inflammatory status.…”

Restless Legs Syndrome as a Comorbidity in Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…More recently, other researchers have found in RA similar prevalence rates for RLS being 27.7–31% [23, 25]. Of interest, elevated prevalence rates for RLS in other connective tissue diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome, scleroderma, and lupus appear [26]. Thus, compared to the general population, there are significantly higher prevalence rates of RLS in patients with rheumatic diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis.…”

Pain-related diseases and sleep disorders

“…Obesity, neuropsychiatric and kidney involvement and the use of medications such as antihistamines and glucocorticoids may act as confounders when restless legs syndrome (53) and sleep apnea (54) are present.…”