Abstract
Purpose
The clinical importance of autonomic involvement in patients with restless legs syndrome
(RLS) remains unclear. To our knowledge, no study has explored the relationship between
autonomic dysfunction and disease-related variables in patients with RLS. Therefore,
this study aimed 1) to determine the presence of autonomic symptoms in drug-naïve
patients with RLS in comparison with healthy controls using Scales for Outcomes in
Parkinson’s disease-Autonomic (SCOPA-AUT) questionnaire and 2) to evaluate the possible
associations of autonomic dysfunction with clinical factors in RLS.
Methods
A total of 70 drug-naïve patients with RLS and 85 healthy volunteers were enrolled.
The SCOPA-AUT questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores were used to
determine autonomic functions and sleep propensity, respectively. Moreover, the International
Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group rating scale was used to evaluate disease severity
in the patient group.
Results
Compared with the control group, the RLS group had significantly higher subscale scores
(gastrointestinal, urinary, cardiovascular, thermoregulatory, pupillomotor, and sexual
[women]) and total scores of the SCOPA-AUT questionnaire (p < 0.05). In the patient group, there was a significant correlation between the total
scores and subscale scores (gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and thermoregulatory
subscales) of the SCOPA-AUT questionnaire and disease severity. Moreover, ESS was
positively correlated with the total scores and subscale scores (urinary, cardiovascular,
and pupillomotor) of the SCOPA-AUT questionnaire.
Conclusion
Disease severity and daytime sleepiness may be related to autonomic dysfunction in
RLS. Further studies focusing on autonomic functions in RLS are required to improve
management strategies and clinical outcomes.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT04906486; May 28, 2021.
Abbreviations:
SCOPA-Aut (Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's disease- Autonomic)Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 28, 2021
Accepted:
November 16,
2021
Received in revised form:
September 28,
2021
Received:
June 11,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
