Evaluation of autonomic dysfunction in patients with primary restless legs syndrome by serum CHI3L1 level, clinical and electrophysiological methods

Although there are studies in which autonomic dysfunction is detected in patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS), there is disagreement among the studies in the literature and there are few studies. In this study, we aimed to evaluate autonomic functions both clinically and electrophysiologically and to investigate the relationship with serum CHI3L1 level. We conducted our study with 20 patients diagnosed with primary RLS admitted to Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University neurology clinic and 20 healthy volunteers selected according to similar age and gender. Demographic data and clinical characteristics of the participants were questioned. COMPASS-31 autonomic symptom scale, R-R interval variability (RRİV) and Sympathetic skin response (SSR) were used to evaluate autonomic nervous system functions. A serum sample was obtained from the participants for the study of serum CHI3L1 level. Twenty patients, 9 males and 11 females, and 20 healthy controls with the same gender distribution were included in our study. The mean age of the patient group was 46.55±9.34 years and the mean age of the control group was 46.15±7.05 years. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of gender distribution and age. COMPASS-31 total score was higher in the patient group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Orthostatic intolerance, secretomotor system, gastrointestinal system and bladder function subscale scores were higher in the patient group, whereas vasomotor system and pupillomotor system subscale scores did not differ between the two groups. RRAD values at rest (%R) and deep breathing (%D) were lower in the patient group. SSR was obtained in all participants. There was no significant difference in SSR latency and amplitude between the two groups. Serum CHI3L1 level was lower in the patient group (p<0.05). In this study, autonomic dysfunction was detected in RLS patients with COMPASS-31 scale and RRAD. In addition to sensory and motor complaints, autonomic dysfunction should be evaluated in RLS patients