Association between Chronic kidney disease and restless leg syndrome (RLS): a systematic review and meta-analysis

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is characterized by unpleasant nocturnal sensations in the lower limbs, and it has emerged as the fourth leading cause of insomnia and is often an underdiagnosed medical condition among sleep disorders. The symptoms of RLS are more common in chronic kidney disease patients than in the general population. Therefore, we performed the first meta-analysis to estimate the risk of RLS among chronic kidney disease patients. We conducted a comprehensive search in Embase, Ovid-MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases. Data were analyzed with the random-effects model using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software to find the odds ratio (OR). The heterogeneity was checked with the I2 test and Cochran’s Q-statistic, and we performed the moderator analysis to find potential sources of heterogeneity. The study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Of 1175 studies, we found nine studies, with a total of 18,983 participants. The pooled OR of RLS among chronic kidney disease was 5.64 (95%CI 2.70–11.78). Regarding moderator analysis results, it was observed that higher body mass index and abnormal laboratory results would increase the risk of RLS; however, the statistical test was not significant in the current study. The findings reveal a substantial sixfold increase in the likelihood of RLS when compared to the general population. Therefore, health professionals should encourage patients to adhere to the treatment and practice a healthy lifestyle to manage their condition and reduce the risk of RLS. Moreover, future research can develop an intervention to reduce RLS symptoms.