Introduction According to most reports, the RLS prevalence in women is higher than men (2:1), especially during periods such as pregnancy or menopause. We decided to evaluate the differential impact of RLS on women in a sample of patients referred to our sleep center. Materials and Methods We consecutively analyzed all features of the patients diagnosed for RLS from January 2007. Results 47% out of 42 patients were women, mean age 51 in women, 53 in men. The mean age for RLS symptoms onset 43 in women and 44 in men. In 5 women symptoms started with the first pregnancy (mean parity index 2.3),in 3 with menopause. 9 women and 18 men had idiopathic RLS. In 30% of women RLS was secondary to iron deficient anemia (mean ferritine 12.9μg/dl). Mean IRLS-RS score was comparable in women (27) and men (25). 9 women and 2 men reported familial RLS. OSAS was present in 61% of men and 20% of women. 23% men and 38% women had mood disorders (25% octurnal eating disorders). 43% of women had thyreopathy. 6 women and 8 men hypertension. Different Dopa-agonists (Pramipexole, Ropinirole and Cabergoline) led to IRLS-RS improving (mean IRLS-RS 5.5, p<0.01)after 1 month. Discussion RLS prevalence in our sample contradicting most recent reports showed no gender differences. However idiopathic RLS prevailed in men whereas a positive familial history in women. Predisposing factors (parity, thyroid and iron deficit) seemed to play a crucial role. Sleep co-morbidities were differently distributed by gender. Dopa agonists proved significantly effects.
RLS in women: gender differences in northestern Sicily
SILVESTRI, Rosalia;CONDURSO, ROSARIA;GERVASI, GIUSEPPE;CASELLA, Carmela;
2008-01-01
Abstract
Introduction According to most reports, the RLS prevalence in women is higher than men (2:1), especially during periods such as pregnancy or menopause. We decided to evaluate the differential impact of RLS on women in a sample of patients referred to our sleep center. Materials and Methods We consecutively analyzed all features of the patients diagnosed for RLS from January 2007. Results 47% out of 42 patients were women, mean age 51 in women, 53 in men. The mean age for RLS symptoms onset 43 in women and 44 in men. In 5 women symptoms started with the first pregnancy (mean parity index 2.3),in 3 with menopause. 9 women and 18 men had idiopathic RLS. In 30% of women RLS was secondary to iron deficient anemia (mean ferritine 12.9μg/dl). Mean IRLS-RS score was comparable in women (27) and men (25). 9 women and 2 men reported familial RLS. OSAS was present in 61% of men and 20% of women. 23% men and 38% women had mood disorders (25% octurnal eating disorders). 43% of women had thyreopathy. 6 women and 8 men hypertension. Different Dopa-agonists (Pramipexole, Ropinirole and Cabergoline) led to IRLS-RS improving (mean IRLS-RS 5.5, p<0.01)after 1 month. Discussion RLS prevalence in our sample contradicting most recent reports showed no gender differences. However idiopathic RLS prevailed in men whereas a positive familial history in women. Predisposing factors (parity, thyroid and iron deficit) seemed to play a crucial role. Sleep co-morbidities were differently distributed by gender. Dopa agonists proved significantly effects.Pubblicazioni consigliate
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