Frequency of Restless Leg Syndrome in End Stage Renal Disease patients undergoing hemodialysis and its association with Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: To determine the frequency of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) in End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients receiving hemodialysis and its association with the most common cause of ESRD i. e. Diabetes mellitus (DM). Methodology: This cross sectional study was done in the dialysis unit of Nephrology of Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan from 10th August 2012 to 9th February 2013. A total of 140 patients with ESRD were included in study, who were 18 years of age or above, on regular hemodialysis. Patients were screened for the presence of RLS using International Restless Leg Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) diagnostic criteria. Those with RLS were checked for the presence of DM. Age, gender, presence of RLS and DM were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS 12. Results: Mean age was 53.54 years (range 18-80 years). 38.6% of the ESRD patients had RLS. p value for association of RLS with DM was not significant. Conclusion: RLS is frequently found in ESRD patients receiving hemodialysis. Diabetes Mellitus, which is the most common cause of ESRD, does not seem to have any association with the occurrence of RLS in these patients.