[Periodic movements of the limbs during sleep in childhood].
BACKGROUND
Periodic movements of the limbs (PML) whilst sleeping is a disorder included in the group of intrinsic dysomnias which cause problems of insomnia and somnolence during the day. It is usually associated with the restless legs syndrome (it occurs in 80% of the patients with this syndrome) although PML may occasionally be an isolated finding. The prevalence of the disease is of 11%. It usually occurs in patients aged over 50 years, and the frequency increase with age. It is uncommon in persons aged under 30 years. In children it is almost unknown. When it does occur in this age group it is usually associated with the restless legs syndrome.


OBJECTIVE
To obtain data regarding this disorder in childhood, in view of the scarcity of information available in the literature and the importance of the neuropsychological problems and difficulty with learning that affected children have.


METHODS
We report two cases of PML occurring in girls of under 7 years of age. They had severe associated neuropsychological disorders (disorders of behavior and feeding, psychotic episodes, etc.). The effect on performance at school led to complete failure in one case. We describe the clinical course of the two girls, emphasizing the variability, and both diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties.


CONCLUSIONS
Although this condition is uncommon in childhood, it should always be borne in mind in cases of children with sleep disorders, since early diagnosis will prevent major behavior and learning problems.
Bestué-Cardiel
M
M
Servicio de Neurología; Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, 50009, España. mbestugc@meditex.es
Sanmartí
F
F
Artigas
J
J
D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002998:Clonazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008140:Lorazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020189:Nocturnal Myoclonus Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D017286:Polysomnography; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012895:Sleep, REM / Q000502:physiology
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D002998:Clonazepam; D008140:Lorazepam