Association of Restless Leg Syndrome with Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Background: Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and rest leg syndrome (RLS) are two common medical conditions in our population. There is etiologic association between the two pathologies which however; has not been investigated in our local population. Objective: To determine the frequency of iron deficiency anemia among patients of restless leg syndrome. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Neurology, Khairpur Medical College- Khairpur Mir’s from December 2020 to March 2021. Methodology: Three hundred and thirty nine patients having RLS, of either gender, age 18-60 years, were included after taking a valid informed/written consent. Pregnant women or having menorrhagia, blood dyscrasias, iron supplements or steroids, any neurological comorbid or comatose patients were excluded. Results: The mean age was 39.12±10.79 years. The mean duration of RLS was 8.42±4.01 years while mean haemoglobin was 12.06±2.36 g/dL. The prevalence of IDA among RLS patients was 133 (39.2%). The stratified analysis significantly revealed that elder age, female gender, positive family history, and higher BMI were associated with increased frequency and severity of IDA among RLS patients (P=0.996, 0.007, 0.372 &0.738). Conclusion: Iron deficiency anaemia is quite frequent in patients of Restless leg syndrome and healthcare providers should increase awareness among population regarding its treatment. Key words: Restless leg syndrome, Iron deficiency, Anaemia, Haemoglobin, Sleep disturbance