Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2009; 117(9): 496-499
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1220739
Article

© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Clinical Characteristics and Associated Comorbidities in Diabetic Patients with Restless Legs Syndrome

D. Greco 1 , F. Gambina 1 , M. Pisciotta 1 , M. Abrignani 2 , F. Maggio 1
  • 1Division of Diabetology. “S. Biagio” Hospital – Marsala (TP), Italy
  • 2Unit of Neurology. “S. Biagio” Hospital – Marsala (TP), Italy
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Publikationsverlauf

received 29.01.2009 first decision 24.03.2009

accepted 24.03.2009

Publikationsdatum:
17. Juni 2009 (online)

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Abstract

Aim: RLS, despite being a common entity, is often underdiagnosed and appears to be a serious problem from a diagnostic and therapeutic point of view. There have been few studies primarily concerned with the clinical characteristics of RLS in diabetic subjects. Those published have emanated largely from neurological referral centres rather than metabolic departments. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with RLS among persons with diabetes.

Methods: We have performed a retrospective study of all diabetic inpatients with RLS who were seen in the Metabolic Division at “S. Biagio” Hospital, Marsala, over a 18 months period. A detailed history, blood laboratory profile and an electrophysiological evaluation were obtained for each patient.

Results: During the period of the survey RLS was identified in 23 patients. These patients were found to have a poorly controlled diabetes and had increased associated comorbidities: they showed an high prevalence of diabetic neuropathy (96%) and metabolic syndrome (74%). Moreover, median duration of RLS symptoms onset was 2.8 years.

Conclusions: RLS is a serious and not uncommon problem among patients with diabetes mellitus. This syndrome is closely related to diabetic neuropathy and probably to metabolic factors in its pathogenesis. Diagnosis of RLS is often delayed and because it can be effectively treated, a better education of the general medical community toward greater awareness of the syndrome is necessary.

References

Correspondence

Dr. D. Greco

Via Cosenza, 155

91016 Erice (TP)

Telefon: +39/0923/78 23 04

Fax: +39/0923/78 23 03

eMail: drgreco@alice.it