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. 2022 Mar:91:31-34.
doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2022.02.008. Epub 2022 Feb 16.

Restless Legs Syndrome in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy

John W Winkelman  1 , Natalie R Grant  2 , Francine Molay  3 , Christopher D Stephen  4 , Reza Sadjadi  4 , Florian S Eichler  5
Affiliations

Restless Legs Syndrome in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy

John W Winkelman et al. Sleep Med. 2022 Mar.

Abstract

Objective/background: X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes progressive gait and balance problems. Leg discomfort, sleep disturbances, and pain contribute to daily disability. We sought to investigate the prevalence and severity of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) in patients with ALD.

Patients/methods: We administered questionnaires and conducted diagnostic telephone interviews to assess RLS severity. We retrospectively extracted data from neurological examinations, functional gait measures, and laboratory assessments.

Results and conclusions: Thirty-two adults with ALD (21 female, 11 male) were recruited to participate. Thirteen patients (40.6%) had RLS (10/21 females and 3/11 males). The median age of RLS onset was 35 years [IQR = 22-54]. Patients with RLS had more signs and symptoms related to myelopathy, but not the brain demyelination seen in ALD. This pilot study suggests a high prevalence of RLS in adults with ALD, which may contribute to sleep problems and impair quality of life.

Keywords: Adrenoleukodystrophy; Adrenomyeloneuropathy; Myelopathy; RLS.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Percentage of patients in our cohort presenting with each neurological sign and symptom *p<0.05
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