Evidence of Increased Muscle Atrophy and Impaired Quality of Life Parameters in Patients with Uremic Restless Legs Syndrome
2011

Muscle Atrophy and Quality of Life in Patients with Restless Legs Syndrome

Sample size: 70 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Giannaki Christoforos D., Sakkas Giorgos K., Karatzaferi Christina, Hadjigeorgiou Georgios M., Lavdas Eleftherios, Liakopoulos Vassilios, Tsianas Nikolaos, Koukoulis Georgios N., Koutedakis Yiannis, Stefanidis Ioannis

Primary Institution: University of Thessaly

Hypothesis

Restless Legs Syndrome negatively affects muscle quantity and quality in hemodialysis patients.

Conclusion

Patients with Restless Legs Syndrome showed increased muscle atrophy and impaired quality of life primarily due to mental health and sleep-related issues.

Supporting Evidence

  • 30 out of 70 patients were diagnosed with Restless Legs Syndrome.
  • RLS patients reported significantly lower quality of life scores.
  • Muscle size was significantly reduced in the RLS group compared to non-RLS.
  • Depression scores were higher in RLS patients.
  • Sleep quality was significantly impaired in RLS patients.

Takeaway

Patients on dialysis with Restless Legs Syndrome have weaker muscles and feel worse because they can't sleep well and feel sad.

Methodology

The study assessed 70 hemodialysis patients, dividing them into RLS and non-RLS groups, evaluating muscle size, quality of life, and depression through various tests and questionnaires.

Limitations

The PLMS index was assessed from a single overnight study, which may not accurately reflect variability across nights.

Participant Demographics

70 hemodialysis patients (51 male, 19 female, average age 54.1 years).

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025180

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