Restless legs syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
In the review period since February 2004 a number of papers have been published that make significant contributions to the current understanding of the epidemiology, clinical assessment, pathophysiology and treatment of restless legs syndrome. Those with the most significant findings were selected and will be reviewed.


RESULTS
Several epidemiological studies about restless legs syndrome have become available in the review period. A new susceptibility locus for restless legs syndrome has been reported. Neuropathological studies have provided profound insights into the key role of iron regulation in the pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome. Several randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have demonstrated that dopamine agonists are efficacious in the treatment of restless legs syndrome. A few pilot treatment studies with intravenous iron have been performed.


CONCLUSIONS
In this paper, recent advances in the field of restless legs syndrome are reviewed. Special emphasis is placed on pathophysiology and treatment. Restless legs syndrome is still an underdiagnosed disorder. The evidence basis for its treatment has been considerably increased in the review period.
Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria. birgit.ho@uibk.ac.at
Birgit
B
Högl
Werner
W
Poewe
D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018491:Dopamine Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D012148:Restless Legs Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D018491:Dopamine Agonists