Restless legs syndrome (RLS) – also known as Wilis-Ekbom Disease - is a condition that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs because they feel uncomfortable. This discomfort often takes the form of an aching or throbbing sensation, or sometimes a crawling or creeping feeling over the skin. Symptoms are typically worse in the evenings and at night and it is therefore a potential cause of sleep deprivation.
RLS is estimated to affect around 7-10% of the population and is more common in females. It can begin at any age but those most severely affected tend to be middle-aged or older. The cause of RLS is unclear, but there is a definite association with certain metabolic disorders such as diabetes, as well as obesity and hypertension. Given that psoriasis is also closely associated with disturbances of metabolism, researchers investigated the frequency of RLS in a population of 70 patients with psoriasis and 70 healthy controls. A range of validated questionnaires were used to assess severity of psoriasis, presence of RLS and sleep quality, together with blood investigations to determine levels of inflammation.
The frequency of RLS in psoriatic patients was 18.7% vs 5.7% in healthy controls. In addition, body mass index (BMI) was higher in psoriasis patients as were inflammatory blood markers. The strongest association with RLS was the PASI score.
Comment
In this study, RLS was significantly more common in psoriasis patients, who also had poorer sleep quality and worse quality of life. RLS was significantly correlated with the severity of psoriasis and more severe inflammation. RLS appears to be an important though neglected co-morbid condition in patients with psoriasis. This is especially important, because RLS is eminently treatable, either with lifestyle changes or, if necessary, medication (e.g. ropinirole).
Author:
Dr David Ashton MD PhD
Reference:
Solak B, Aydin B, et al. Restless legs syndrome in patients with psoriasis: association with inflammation and sleep quality. Int J Dermatol, 2023; 62: 501-507