Restless legs syndrome in multiple sclerosis: uncovering prevalence and clinical aspects

The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and explore its associations with sleep quality, comorbidities and quality of life.

RLS and RRMS diagnosis were made using the latest criteria the International Classification of Sleep Disorders-3 (ICSD-3) criteria and 2017 McDonald criteria. A total of 210 individuals, including 105 patients diagnosed with RRMS and 105 healthy volunteers were included into the study. Data of demographical and disease characteristics and RLS properties were collected. Several scales to assess anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep quality and quality of life scales were used.

RLS prevalence was found in 21.9% of RRMS patients and 12.4%of healthy volunteers. RRMS patients with RLS exhibit significantly higher anxiety and depression scores in sleep quality, fatigue and quality of life compared to the patients without RLS.

This study highlights a higher prevalence of RLS in patients with RRMS compared to healthy individuals. RRMS patients with RLS exhibited distinct characteristics, including lower sleep quality and higher quality of life scores while RLS was nod significantly associated with demographic or clinical variables. Recognizing RLS in patients with RRMS is important for the treatment and improving their overall well-being.