Reproduction life related Kleine-Levin syndrome

Abstract

Menstrual-related Kleine-Levin syndrome is characterized by recurrent episodes of hypersomnolence exclusively associated with menstruation, occurring just before or during menses. However, the literature shows that these episodes may also be associated with other events of the reproduction life, namely menarche, ovulation, pregnancy, delivery and menopause. Altogether, we identified 33 cases of reproduction life-related Kleine-Levin syndrome in the world literature. We reviewed their clinical symptoms, compared them with those reported in 111 female cases of the classical Kleine-Levin syndrome, and reviewed available results of laboratory tests and treatments. The patterns of associations between first and subsequent hypersomnolent episodes and events of the reproduction life were extremely polymorphic. Clinically, all symptoms described in the classical Kleine-Levin syndrome were found in the reproduction life related Kleine-Levin syndrome. However, apathy and anorexia, the opposite of compulsive eating, were more frequent in the reproduction life related Kleine-Levin syndrome than in the classical female Kleine-Levin syndrome while compulsive eating and drinking were less frequent in the reproduction life related Kleine-Levin syndrome than in the classical female Kleine-Levin syndrome.

Keywords: Kleine-Levin syndrome; Menstrual associated sleep disorder; Menstrual related Kleine-Levin syndrome; Menstrual related hypersomnia; Pregnancy associated sleep disorder.