Autonomic complaints in patients with restless legs syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Data regarding autonomic function in restless legs syndrome (RLS) are limited to heart rate and blood pressure changes in cases with periodic limb movements (PLMS).

METHODS

We compared autonomic symptoms of 49 subjects with RLS vs 291 control subjects using the Scales for Outcome in Parkinson disease-Autonomic (SCOPA-AUT) questionnaire, consisting of 23 items in six domains scored from 0 to 3. The total score and domain scores were transformed to 0-100 points. Subjects with neurodegenerative disorders (i.e., dementia, Parkinsonism) were excluded.

RESULTS

The RLS group was younger (mean±standard deviation, 77.9±8.0 vs 80.5±7.9years; P=.03) and included more women (84% vs 69%; P=.04). The mean SCOPA-AUT total score was higher in the RLS group compared with the control group (20±11 vs 16±9; P=.005). Additionally the RLS group had abnormalities in gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and pupillomotor domains. When comparing the percentage of subjects with any complaint on individual questions (score of ⩾1), the RLS group had a greater number of subjects with sialorrhea, constipation, early abdominal fullness, lightheadedness when standing, and heat intolerance.

CONCLUSIONS

Autonomic complaints, especially gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and oversensitivity to light, were significantly increased in subjects with RLS. Causes for autonomic dysfunction in RLS require further investigation.