[Restless legs syndrome in patients on dialysis for kidney insufficiency: effect of medication].
OBJECTIVE
Many patients on dialysis have a restless legs syndrome (RLS). Drugs may cause as well as relieve RLS symptoms. It was the aim of this study to examine the effect of the prescribed drugs on the occurrence of RLS in patients on hemodialysis.


METHODS
The cohort consisted of 82 out-patients undergoing dialysis (38 men and 44 women; mean age 65,4 [21 - 93] years) during 2002 and 2003. In addition to blood analysis the criteria of RLS were analysed, using the Johns Hopkins restless legs severity scale (JHRLSS) and the diagnostic criteria of the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG). Periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) were measures by a special device.


RESULTS
25 of 82 patients had RLS symptoms, using the JHRLSS, in 23 this was confirmed by the IRLSSG criteria. PLMS occurred in 46 of 81 patients. The occurrence of RLS correlated significantly with the intake of drugs that could potentially increase RLS severity. But there was no strong correlation with drugs that could potentially decrease it. There was no association between medication and the occurrence of PLMS. There was also no correlation with laboratory parameters.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients on dialysis those drugs which can potentially worsen RLS should be prescribed with care.
Hohl-Radke
F
F
Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, Vivantes Klinikum Spandau, Berlin. Felix.Hohl-Radke@vivantes.de
Aedtner
F
F
Domröse
U
U
Neumann
K H
KH
Staedt
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015331:Cohort Studies; D018491:Dopamine Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects; D051436:Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D012148:Restless Legs Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D000700:Analgesics; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D000932:Antiemetics; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D018491:Dopamine Agonists; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists