Frequency of Restless Leg Syndrome and Some Related Factors in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis in Kerman in 2014-2015

Introduction: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological movement disorder that is often seen in multiple sclerosis patients. However, the association between RLS and multiple sclerosis (MS) is still unclear and RLS is not considered as one of the MS symptoms. This study was conducted to assess the frequency of RLS and its associated factors in patients with MS in kerman population.Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted during 2015-2016. A total of 317 patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (299 females, 18 males, mean age 32.68±10.2 years) were enrolled in the study and according to IRLS criteria divided into two groups with and without RLS. Then the patients underwent a neurological examination and serum iron and ferritin level were measured. The diagnosis of RLS was based on International Rest less Legs Syndrome Study Group Criteria.Results: 76 patients (23.9 %) met the RLS diagnostic criteria. The mean serum iron and ferritin level in RLS group was 51.2 µg/dl and 62.5µg/l and was 55.5 µg/dl and 103 µg/l in non-RLS group.the mean EDSS score was 3.82 in RLS group an 3.02 in group with out RLS. There was a significant difference between patients with and without RLS in serum iron, ferritin and EDSS score.Conclusion: In spite of the prevalence of RLS in patients with MS, it is necessary to check serum iron and ferritin levels in MS patients with the above complaint and correct them if necessary.