Prevalence of restless legs syndrome: a community-based study from Argentina.
OBJECTIVE
The number of restless legs syndrome (RLS) prevalence studies performed outside Europe and North America remains small. We conducted a community-based study to estimate the relative prevalence of RLS in Argentina.


METHODS
A total sample of 471 participants from high (Buenos Aires) and low population density areas (three cities with <35,000 inhabitants), completed a self-assessment questionnaire, including the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) diagnostic criteria, to determine RLS symptoms.


RESULTS
In the present study, the four RLS criteria were reported in 20.2%. In accordance with other studies, we found a female/male ratio of 3:1, with women being younger than men. However, RLS prevalence in "clinically significant" participants, that is symptoms present at least two or more times a week, were 10.8% (12.4% in participants from high population density versus 2.60% in participants from low population density areas).


CONCLUSIONS
In the present study, RLS appears as a common disorder in this population. The RLS prevalence found is in agreement with some epidemiological reports from the American and European populations but it is significantly higher than the prevalence reported for Native South Americans (i.e., 0.8-3.2%). These differences could be explained by the composition of the Argentinean population with predominantly European roots. Taking into account the significant impact of RLS on health and quality of life, our study represents a preliminary approach to characterize this chronic disease in this community.
Persi
Gabriel Gustavo
GG
Departamento de Neurología, Sanatorio de la Trinidad Mitre, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Etcheverry
Jose Luis
JL
Vecchi
Celeste
C
Parisi
Virginia Laura
VL
Ayarza
Ana Clara
AC
Gatto
Emilia Mabel
EM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001118:Argentina / Q000453:epidemiology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012148:Restless Legs Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult