Restless Leg Syndrome in End Stage Renal Disease Patients in Benin City, Nigeria

Main Article Content

U N Onwuchekwa
E Oviasu
L I Ojogwu
I I Chukwuonye
M A Nnoli

Keywords

Restless leg syndrome, end stage renal disease, Nigerian Patients

Abstract

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that is characterized by an irresistible urge to move one's body to stop uncomfortable or odd sensations. It most commonly affects the legs, but can also affect the arms or torso, and even phantom limbs.

Recent epidemiological studies have identified RLS as a common condition whose prevalence ranges from 3 to 10% in the general population. The frequency of RLS is higher in End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients than the general population. Previous studies have shown a 6.6-83% prevalence of RLS in patients with ESRD. There is paucity of data on restless leg syndrome in Africa, prompting this study.

This is a cross-sectional descriptive study to determine the prevalence of RSL in a black African population with ESRD. One hundred and one consecutive ESRD patients were recruited; proper case histories and physical examination were conducted. Investigations performed included, Fasting blood sugar, Serum creatinine, Serum lipids, Calcium, Albumin. The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) for each patient was determined using the Cockcroft- Gault equation. Structured questionnaire based on the IRLSSG diagnostic criteria was administered to all the patients.

Six patients (4 females and 2 males) from the 101 patients met the minimum criteria for diagnosis of RLS; giving a prevalence of 5.9%.

The study suggests a low prevalence of RLS in patients with ESRD in Benin City, Nigeria

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.