Risk factors of primary and secondary restless legs syndrome among a middle-aged population in Saudi Arabia: A community-based study

INTRODUCTION: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is etiologically divided into primary and secondary syndromes. However, a comparative description of both types is lacking in the literature. We compared primary and secondary RLS with respect to demographic determinants, associated risk factors, and comorb...

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Main Authors: Samah Alsafadi, Bahaa Abaalkhail, Siraj Omar Wali, Khaled Aljammali, Bedor Alotaiby, Ibrahim Zakaria, Hanadi Sabbahi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2018-01-01
Series:Annals of Thoracic Medicine
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.thoracicmedicine.org/article.asp?issn=1817-1737;year=2018;volume=13;issue=3;spage=175;epage=181;aulast=Alsafadi
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author Samah Alsafadi
Bahaa Abaalkhail
Siraj Omar Wali
Khaled Aljammali
Bedor Alotaiby
Ibrahim Zakaria
Hanadi Sabbahi
author_facet Samah Alsafadi
Bahaa Abaalkhail
Siraj Omar Wali
Khaled Aljammali
Bedor Alotaiby
Ibrahim Zakaria
Hanadi Sabbahi
author_sort Samah Alsafadi
collection DOAJ
description INTRODUCTION: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is etiologically divided into primary and secondary syndromes. However, a comparative description of both types is lacking in the literature. We compared primary and secondary RLS with respect to demographic determinants, associated risk factors, and comorbidities. METHODS: Following a cross-sectional survey on the prevalence of RLS in a Saudi population, RLS cases were identified using the International RLS Study Group (IRLSSG) criteria. Cases were assessed with an interview-based questionnaire regarding baseline characteristics, risk factors, and comorbidities and with lower limb examinations and laboratory measurements. RLS severity was assessed using the IRLSSG Severity Rating Scale. RESULTS: In total, 78 patients with RLS, including 50 (64.1%) primary and 28 (35.9%) secondary cases, were examined. Of the primary cases, 35 (70%) were male; of the secondary cases, 25 (89.3%) were female (P < 0.001). Multivariate regression confirmed the association of male gender with primary RLS (odds ratio = 14.53, 95% confidence interval [2.9–75], P = 0.001). There were more dark- and black-skinned participants in the primary RLS group (38, 72%) than in the secondary group (15, 28%) (P = 0.042). Iron deficiency was observed in most (26, 92%) of the secondary cases. More severe symptoms were reported in secondary than in primary RLS cases (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Primary RLS is more common but less severe than secondary RLS. Male gender and ethnicity play significant roles in primary RLS, whereas female gender and iron deficiency may be the main risk factors associated with secondary RLS.
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spelling doaj.art-d1d12cc3e08b456d8564c562a6f3b63a2022-12-22T03:00:48ZengWolters Kluwer Medknow PublicationsAnnals of Thoracic Medicine1817-17371998-35572018-01-0113317518110.4103/atm.ATM_344_17Risk factors of primary and secondary restless legs syndrome among a middle-aged population in Saudi Arabia: A community-based studySamah AlsafadiBahaa AbaalkhailSiraj Omar WaliKhaled AljammaliBedor AlotaibyIbrahim ZakariaHanadi SabbahiINTRODUCTION: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is etiologically divided into primary and secondary syndromes. However, a comparative description of both types is lacking in the literature. We compared primary and secondary RLS with respect to demographic determinants, associated risk factors, and comorbidities. METHODS: Following a cross-sectional survey on the prevalence of RLS in a Saudi population, RLS cases were identified using the International RLS Study Group (IRLSSG) criteria. Cases were assessed with an interview-based questionnaire regarding baseline characteristics, risk factors, and comorbidities and with lower limb examinations and laboratory measurements. RLS severity was assessed using the IRLSSG Severity Rating Scale. RESULTS: In total, 78 patients with RLS, including 50 (64.1%) primary and 28 (35.9%) secondary cases, were examined. Of the primary cases, 35 (70%) were male; of the secondary cases, 25 (89.3%) were female (P < 0.001). Multivariate regression confirmed the association of male gender with primary RLS (odds ratio = 14.53, 95% confidence interval [2.9–75], P = 0.001). There were more dark- and black-skinned participants in the primary RLS group (38, 72%) than in the secondary group (15, 28%) (P = 0.042). Iron deficiency was observed in most (26, 92%) of the secondary cases. More severe symptoms were reported in secondary than in primary RLS cases (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Primary RLS is more common but less severe than secondary RLS. Male gender and ethnicity play significant roles in primary RLS, whereas female gender and iron deficiency may be the main risk factors associated with secondary RLS.http://www.thoracicmedicine.org/article.asp?issn=1817-1737;year=2018;volume=13;issue=3;spage=175;epage=181;aulast=AlsafadiPrimaryrestless legs syndromerestless legs syndrome severitysecondary
spellingShingle Samah Alsafadi
Bahaa Abaalkhail
Siraj Omar Wali
Khaled Aljammali
Bedor Alotaiby
Ibrahim Zakaria
Hanadi Sabbahi
Risk factors of primary and secondary restless legs syndrome among a middle-aged population in Saudi Arabia: A community-based study
Annals of Thoracic Medicine
Primary
restless legs syndrome
restless legs syndrome severity
secondary
title Risk factors of primary and secondary restless legs syndrome among a middle-aged population in Saudi Arabia: A community-based study
title_full Risk factors of primary and secondary restless legs syndrome among a middle-aged population in Saudi Arabia: A community-based study
title_fullStr Risk factors of primary and secondary restless legs syndrome among a middle-aged population in Saudi Arabia: A community-based study
title_full_unstemmed Risk factors of primary and secondary restless legs syndrome among a middle-aged population in Saudi Arabia: A community-based study
title_short Risk factors of primary and secondary restless legs syndrome among a middle-aged population in Saudi Arabia: A community-based study
title_sort risk factors of primary and secondary restless legs syndrome among a middle aged population in saudi arabia a community based study
topic Primary
restless legs syndrome
restless legs syndrome severity
secondary
url http://www.thoracicmedicine.org/article.asp?issn=1817-1737;year=2018;volume=13;issue=3;spage=175;epage=181;aulast=Alsafadi
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