Celiac disease is associated with restless legs syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
Celiac disease may be associated with restless legs syndrome (RLS) because of an association with iron deficiency. Often, RLS negatively affects quality of life but may remain undiagnosed. This study evaluated the association between celiac disease and RLS.


RESULTS
The incidence of RLS among 85 patients with celiac disease was 35%, with a prevalence of 25% compared with 10% of spouses (P<0.02). In 79% of patients with RLS and celiac disease, neuromuscular symptoms began during or after onset of gastrointestinal symptoms. Iron deficiency was present in 40% of celiac patients with active RLS compared with 6% of patients without RLS (P<0.001). After 6 months of a gluten-free diet, RLS symptoms improved in 50% of 28 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Screening for celiac disease in patients with RLS is important since this commonly overlooked silent disease may be a correctable factor for some patients with idiopathic RLS.
Weinstock
Leonard B
LB
Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63141, USA. lw@gidoctor.net
Walters
Arthur S
AS
Mullin
Gerard E
GE
Duntley
Stephen P
SP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000453:epidemiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D055050:Diet, Gluten-Free; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012148:Restless Legs Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome