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Abstract

Objectives: Restless legs syndrome is a disorder in which patients have irresistible urge to move legs during rest. Restless legs syndrome seems to be common in end-stage renal disease. After a successful renal transplant, symptoms ameliorate with renal function improvement and restless legs syndrome is seen less in this population. Here, we aimed to investigate restless legs syndrome frequency and associated factors in renal transplant patients. Materials and Methods:In a cross-sectional study with 193 patients (116 hemodialysis patients, 45 transplant patients, and 32 controls), the presence of restless legs syndrome was assessed using the Restless Legs Syndrome Questionnaire. Medical history, demographic, and laboratory data were collected from the patients' medical records. Patients were questioned about the presence of restless legs syndrome using the Restless Legs Syndrome Questionnaire. Patients were evaluated with Beck Depression Scale for depression and Pittsburgh tests for sleep disturbances. Results: While the rate of restless legs syndrome was similar between transplants and controls, it was significantly greater in hemodialysis patients. Hemodialysis patients and controls had similar depression scores that were higher compared with transplant patients. Pittsburgh score was similar in transplant patients and controls and significantly increased in the hemodialysis patients. The rate of insomnia was significantly higher in the hemodialysis patients compared with the other 2 groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed independent correlates of restless legs syndrome as insomnia, Beck depression score, and being on hemodialysis. Linear regression analysis showed that independent correlates of higher Pittsburgh score were higher depression score, higher age, and presence of restless legs syndrome. Conclusions: The prevalence of restless legs syndrome is significantly lower in transplant patients than it is in patients on maintenance dialysis. In renal transplant patients, restless legs syndrome frequency was found to be lower because of improved renal functions (normalization of uremia), psychological symptoms, and sleep disturbances.

Restless Legs Syndrome: From Pathophysiology to Clinical Diagnosis and Management

“…However, another previous study revealed no such relationships (Kim et al, 2008). A recent cross-sectional study between control group, renal transplantation group and hemodialysis group found that prevalence in renal transplantation is significantly lower than in hemodialysis patients (Kahvecioglu et al, 2016). RLS is very prevalent in end-stage renal disease patients, and hemodialysis patients with RLS were found to have a higher risk of muscle atrophy (Giannaki et al, 2011), cardio/cerebrovascular events and mortality (Lin C.H.…”

Common Sleep Disorders in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review on What They Are and How We Should Treat Them

“…One of them, as mentioned earlier, is the timing of HD sessions, showing that evening dialysis is associated with improved sleep quality compared to daytime dialysis [14]. Additionally, kidney transplantation has been found to significantly reduce the prevalence of insomnia among patients with ESRD [23].…”

“…In addition to the adjustments made to the KRT regimen, another treatment option that addresses both kidney failure and related sleep apnea in patients with ESRD is kidney transplantation. A recent crosssectional study suggested significant improvement in sleep apnea following successful kidney transplantation [23]. By recognizing the complex association between kidney disease and sleep apnea, healthcare providers can personalize interventions to address the specific needs of ESRD patients, leading to improved management and care outcomes.…”

Dialysis Patients With Restless Leg Syndrome: Can We Relieve Their Suffering?

“…Mohammadi et al performed a single-blind, randomized controlled trial, and he found that near-infrared light can decrease symptoms of RLS in hemodialysis patients [37]. Kahvecioglu et al declared that there is an improvement of RLS in hemodialysis patients after renal transplantation and normalization of the kidney functions [38]. In a clinical trial conducted by Nasiri et al to assess the effect of massage with olive oil after dialysis sessions on RLS patients, the study stated that olive oil can be used as a complementary treatment for RLS since it improves the symptoms significantly [39].…”