Clinical Focus ›› 2023, Vol. 38 ›› Issue (10): 878-882.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-583X.2023.10.002

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Prevalence of restless legs syndrome in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and its correlation with disease severity: A meta-analysis

Sun Yanan1, Hao Yifeng2, Li Xiaohong1()   

  1. 1. Department of Neurology,Dalian Municipal Friendship Hospital, Dalian 116001,China
    2. Department of Keyuan Community Health Service Center,Shenzhen Longgang District Second People's Hospital,Shenzhen 518116,China
  • Received:2023-05-15 Online:2023-10-20 Published:2024-01-03
  • Contact: Li Xiaohong E-mail:xhlihh@126.com

Abstract: Objective To evaluate the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and its correlation with disease severity. Methods Relevant articles reporting RLS in ALS patients published before December 12th 2020 were systematically searched in the Cochrane library, PubMed, Embase, Web of science, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), CNKI, and Wanfang Data. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eligible studies were selected independently by two researchers. Quality of case-control studies and cohort studies was assessed according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Data pooling and publication bias were analyzed using Revman5.3. Results A total of 6 eligible studies were included into the analysis, including 2 cohort studies and 4 case-control studies. The NOS scores of all studies were ≥6. Meta-analysis showed that the prevalence of RLS increased significantly in ALS patients(OR=8.24,95%CI =4.57-14.87). Subgroup analysis showed that the proportion of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in the RLS-positive group was significantly higher than that of the RLS-negative group (OR=3.42, 95%CI =1.61-7.27, P=0.001).The ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALFRS-R) score of ALS patients in RLS-positive group was significantly lower than that of the RLS-negative group, indicating that the functional impairment was more significant in ALS patients with RLS (MD=-3.76, 95%CI =-7.16, -0.36, P=0.03). The meta-analysis showed a slight publication bias. Conclusion The prevalence of RLS in ALS patients is significantly elevated, which affects their sleep quality. The functional defect of ALS patients with RLS is more significant, which should be well concerned.

Key words: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, sleep disorders, restless legs syndrome, meta analysis

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