Restless legs syndrome in functional dyspepsia patients

Restless Legs Syndrome in Functional Dyspepsia PatientsRestless legs syndrome is defined as compelling urge to move the legs that is associated with discomfort, worse during rest or inactivity, releieved by movement, and worse in the evening or night. The symtoms of RLS often disrupt sleep, resulting in a lack of energy, negative mood and disturbance of daily living. In addition RLS may comorbid with gastrointestinal disorders.Several pathophysiological processes have implicated in RLS. Evidence suggests that dopaminegic dysfunction and altered control of iron homeostasis are key players.The present study determined the prevalance of RLS in functional dyspepsia. Thirty patients with functional dyspepsia (8 female, 22 male; mean age; 35,3±9,6 years) were studied. These were compared to 30 general population kontrols (10 female, 20 male; mean age; 32, 3±8, 4 years). In the current study 26,7% of functional dyspepsia patients had RLS compared to 10% general population controls (p=0,095). There is no association between presence and severity of RLS in functional dyspepsia and control groups. Blood levels of hemoglobin, iron, ferritin were not statistically different between functional dyspepsia and control groups. There was no significant difference in either age or sex between patients and controls.In conclusion; there is no association between presence and severity of RLS in functional dyspepsia patients.Key words: Functional dyspepsia, restles legs syndrome; symptoms