Prevalenza della sindrome delle gambe senza riposo SGSR in pazienti affetti da Sclerosi Multipla

Aim: The prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in the general population is found to be around 10% (between 3.0-15%). Two previous studies about the association of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and (RLS) found a prevalence around 14,4 and 19%. Since Sardinia is a high risk area for MS, its prevalence is about 150/100.000, we would like to explore the frequency of RLS and compare the prevalence rate of RLS in mainland Italy with Sardinian MS patients and also make a comparison between patients and healthy controls. Methods: RLS diagnosis was based on the presence of four clinical criteria which have been set in 1995 by the International RLS Study Group (IRLSSG) and modified in 2003. We consecutively enrolled 150 patients with Clinically Defined MS ( diagnosis based on Poser criteria), over 12 months in the Neurologic Clinic. They underwent a face to face interview based on the “essential criteria”. We considered affected every patient who closely met all four standard criteria and if the symptoms of RLS were started at least six months before and appeared twice a week. Results: We enrolled 150 patients with MS, 114 females and 36 males and 118 sex and age matched healthy controls, 108 females and 10 males. 8 MS patients responded affirmatively to the questionnaire and after a careful anamnesis, they received a diagnosis of RLS (5,3%). Just two of the 118 healthy controls received a diagnosis of RLS (1,3%). Conclusion: Our work doesn't confirm that the RLS prevalence is significantly higher in MS patients than in general population and also doesn't confirm the result of the previous studies about RLS and MS. Does we have a different genetic and environmental pattern or this is related to a small sample?