Race is a strong predictor of the syndrome of restless legs

New research shows that white women Legs Syndrome (RLS), a sleep disorder by the urge to move the legs marked up to four times as many African American women may suffer. The study, chest, 2009, the 75th Annual International Scientific Assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), reveals that the total African-American (NAA), RLS patients are experiencing four times more likely than African Americans (AA). In addition, 2 of 5 white women found RLS almost four times the frequency of RLS in African American women and the highest incidence among all groups. "There is no significant ethnic differences in the prevalence of the syndrome of restless legs, but the exact causes of the high prevalence among whites known," said Ammar Alkhazna, MD, University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO. "This probably reflects a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition to RLS, nutrition, drugs, including the absorption of iron and possibly culture."

Reduce the frequency of RLS in AA and NAA patients to identify, analyze, and his colleague Dr. Alkhanza standardized interview responses of 190 patients with clinical primary schedule. Of the 103 patients were AA (42 per cent men) and 87 of the NAA, which 40 percent were male and most were white. AA was the diagnosis of RLS in 12 per cent of patients received while in the ANA, the diagnosis of RLS was evident in 36 per cent. In the AA group, the prevalence of RLS was 12 percent for both sexes. The ANA group, the prevalence of RLS among men by 29 percent and 40 percent for women.

"Some risk factors of restless legs syndrome rest seems to be more common in women," said Dr. Alkhanza. "Women are more likely to suffer from iron deficiency than men with rheumatoid arthritis, which are known risk factors for RLS."

The researchers also found that the prevalence of RLS 23 per cent, significantly more than in many previous studies have reported 3 to 10 per cent. Dr. Alkhanza could be explained that due to the increased prevalence of RLS in the study population specific.

"We believe our study results reflect, at least not yet the population of patients in our clinic. As our patients and multi-ethnic population is very different, we expect our results to be in other major urban centers with similar pools of similar patients, "said Dr. Alkhanza. "But how many diseases and drug development may cause the syndrome of restless legs, it is probably also a difference between people attending clinics and for those who are healthy and good contrast.

"Syndrome Restless legs is a common sleep disorder that can be recognized not only by patients and physicians," said Kalpalatha Guntupalli, MD, FCCP, President of the American College of Chest Physicians. "Educate clinicians and patients about the signs and symptoms of RLS can be neglected awareness about this condition and to earlier diagnosis and treatment. "