Michal Minár1, Zuzana Košutzká1, Hana Habánová2, Igor Rusňák2, Karol Planck2, Peter Valkovič3. 1. 2nd Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bratislava, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic. 2. 1st Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Bratislava, Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic. 3. 2nd Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bratislava, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic; Institute of Normal and Pathological Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic. Electronic address: peter.valkovic@gmail.com.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Almost one-third of pregnant women develop symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS), which could have a negative impact on quality of life and the course of pregnancy and/or labor. The aim of our study was to determine possible risk factors for developing RLS in pregnant women. METHODS: A total of 300 random women in the third trimester of gravidity filled out a simple questionnaire based on the official diagnostic criteria for RLS. Respondents positive for RLS were interviewed to further characterize their symptoms. The parameters of iron metabolism were examined based on blood samples. All data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: We detected significantly lower hemoglobin levels with signs of hypochromic anemia typical of iron deficiency in RLS-positive respondents, although oral iron supplementation was significantly higher in this group. The overall severity of symptoms correlated inversely with hemoglobin level. CONCLUSION: According to our results, it appears that serum iron level disturbances play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of secondary RLS in pregnant women.
OBJECTIVE: Almost one-third of pregnant women develop symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS), which could have a negative impact on quality of life and the course of pregnancy and/or labor. The aim of our study was to determine possible risk factors for developing RLS in pregnant women. METHODS: A total of 300 random women in the third trimester of gravidity filled out a simple questionnaire based on the official diagnostic criteria for RLS. Respondents positive for RLS were interviewed to further characterize their symptoms. The parameters of iron metabolism were examined based on blood samples. All data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: We detected significantly lower hemoglobin levels with signs of hypochromic anemia typical of iron deficiency in RLS-positive respondents, although oral iron supplementation was significantly higher in this group. The overall severity of symptoms correlated inversely with hemoglobin level. CONCLUSION: According to our results, it appears that serum iron level disturbances play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of secondary RLS in pregnant women.
Authors: Asma S Al Shidhani; Naama A Al Rawahi; Zuwaina K Al Yahiyai; Imrana Masood; Zainab A Al Saadi; Samah S Al Shukaili; Sayed G Rizvi; Sachin Jose Journal: J Family Community Med Date: 2022-05-13