Restless Legs Syndrome and Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients

Objective: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is known to be associated with chronic renal failure (CRF) patients on hemodialysis, however the prevalence of RLS in CRF patients on hemodialysis is variable due to different diagnostic criteria or dialysis technique. A few reports have indicated the association between RLS symptom and lower life quality in CRF patients on hemodialysis. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of RLS and its association with the quality of life in CRF patients of a single dialysis unit in Korea. Methods: A total of 83 Korean CRF patients on hemodialysis in the Korea University Hospital were examined. International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) criteria and International Restless Legs Scale (IRLS) were used to determine the diagnosis and severity of RLS. Questionnaires including Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), and Medical Outcome Study Form-36 (SF-36) were administered to all the patients for the assessment of sleep and quality of life. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) were also measured for depression and status of mental illness by psychiatrist. Results: Of the 83 patients, 31 (37.3%) patients were found to have RLS and 43 (51.8%) patients met at least one of the RLS diagnostic criteria. The AIS (t=2.40, p=0.019), ESS (t=2.41, p=0.018), HDRS (t=3.85, p