Restless legs syndrome in hemodialysis patients: association with depression and quality of life

Abstract

Purpose: The prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) ranging from 6.6% to 83% has been reported in different case series. The pathophysiology of RLS in uremia is still unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of RLS in the hemodialysis patients and to explore depression and associated detrimental impact on quality of life.

Methods: The diagnosis of RLS was made using the criteria of the International Restless Legs Study Group. The polyneuropathy was diagnosed according to clinical signs and symptoms. Each subject completed three questionnaires: Beck Depression Inventory, Short Form-36 Quality of Life Scale, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Biochemical parameters including hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and Kt/V index were collected. The data of the patients with and without RLS or clinical polyneuropathy (PNP) were compared.

Results: There were 41 male and 40 female patients. RLS, PNP, and high ESS scores were seen in 12%, 47%, and 7% of hemodialysis patients, respectively. Beck depression inventory scores were high in patients with RLS when compared to those without (28.9 ± 9, p = 0.007). General health score in the RLS patients, physical functioning score in the PNP patients were significantly lower (GH, 20.7; p = 0.036; PF, 10.5; p < 0.005). We did not observe any association between hemoglobin, ferritin levels, and Kt/V index in the RLS patients. However, Kt/V index in the PNP patients were low.

Conclusions: The frequency of RLS in hemodialysis patients was lower than that reported from similar studies in other countries. The presence of RLS and PNP in hemodialyzed patients negatively affects quality of life, and RLS contributes to occurrence of depression.