Evolution of non-treated restless legs syndrome

Abstract

Purpose: The primary concern of this study is to evaluate the clinical course of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in a group of patients who refused treatment. Method: This study compares the outcome of a group of RLS patients after one year without any specific treatment. The International Restless Legs Syndrome Scale (IRLS) was applied at baseline (irls-1) and after one year (irls-2). The patients answered a simple questionnaire for the evaluation of possible environmental or life habit changes after one-year evolution. Serum ferritin was determined at baseline. An improvement index (%improvement) was established through the formula: irls-1-irls-2/irls-1x100. Results were compared and a correlation analysis performed. Results: A negative significant correlation was found between the patientsí age and irls-2 (r= -0.9 p=0.0018) and between %improvement and irls-2 (r= -0.88 p=0.0039). A positive and significant correlation was determined between %improvement and age. There was only a marginally significant correlation between serum ferritin and ilrs-2 (r= -0.7 p=0.052). No significant changes were found in the other elements analyzed. Conclusion: A favorable outcome was found in this group of RLS patients after one year evolution without treatment. The outcome was positively influenced by the patientsí age.