Race is Strong Predictor for Restless Legs Syndrome

RLS 4X More Prevalent in Non-African-Americans

SAN DIEGO, - New research shows that Caucasian
women may suffer from restless legs syndrome (RLS), a sleep disorder
characterized by the strong urge to move the legs, up to four times more than
African-American women. The study, presented at CHEST 2009, the 75th annual
international scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians
(ACCP), found that, overall, non-African-American (NAA) patients experienced
RLS four times more often than African-Americans (AA). Furthermore, 2 out of 5
Caucasian women were found to have RLS, nearly four times the incidence of RLS
in African-American women and the highest incidence among all groups.

"There are significant ethnic differences in the prevalence of restless legs
syndrome, but the exact causes of higher prevalence among Caucasians are
unknown," said Ammar Alkhazna, MD, University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO.
"This likely reflects a combination of factors, including a genetic
predisposition to RLS, diet -- including iron intake -- medications, and
possibly culture."

To determine the incidence of RLS among AA and NAA patients, Dr. Alkhazna and
his colleagues analyzed standardized interview responses from 190 patients
seen at a primary clinic. Of the patients, 103 were AA (42 percent were men)
and 87 were NAA, of which 40 percent were men and the majority were
Caucasians. Among AA, the diagnosis of RLS was definite in 12 percent of
patients, while among NAA, the diagnosis of RLS was definite in 36 percent. In
the AA group, the prevalence of RLS was 12 percent for both genders. In the
NAA group, the prevalence of RLS among men was 29 percent and 40 percent among
women.

"Some risk factors for restless legs syndrome appear to be more common among
women," said Dr. Alkhazna. "Women are more likely to be iron deficient than
men and have rheumatoid arthritis, which are known risk factors for RLS."

Researchers also found that the overall prevalence of definite RLS was 23
percent, which is significantly more than many previous studies have reported
at 3 to 10 percent. Dr. Alkhazna explains that this increased prevalence of
RLS could be attributed to the specific study population.

"We believe our study results reflect at least our clinic's patient
population. Because our patient population is multiracial and quite diverse,
we expect our results would be similar in other large, urban centers with
similar pools of patients," said Dr. Alkhazna. "However, as many diseases and
medications can lead to the development of restless legs syndrome, there will
likely be a difference between populations attending medical clinics as
opposed to those who are well and healthy."

"Restless legs syndrome is a common sleep disorder that may not be easily
recognized by patients and clinicians," said Kalpalatha Guntupalli, MD, FCCP,
President of the American College of Chest Physicians. "Educating clinicians
and patients about the signs and symptoms of RLS may raise awareness about
this overlooked condition and lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment."

CHEST 2009 is the 75th annual international scientific assembly of the
American College of Chest Physicians, held October 31-November 5 in San Diego,
CA. The ACCP represents 17,400 members who provide patient care in the areas
of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine in the United States and
throughout the world. The ACCP's mission is to promote the prevention and
treatment of diseases of the chest through leadership, education, research,
and communication. For more information about the ACCP, please visit the ACCP
Web site at www.chestnet.org.



SOURCE  American College of Chest Physicians

Jennifer Stawarz of American College of Chest Physicians, +1-847-498-8306,
jstawarz@chestnet.org