Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensori-motor disorder characterized by an urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations that have been linked to iron deficiency. Adult cystic fibrosis (CF) patients have shown increased RLS prevalence compared with the general population, though data in pediatric CF is limited. Given the overlap of RLS risk factors, including CF-related chronic inflammation and resultant iron dysregulation, we conducted a prospective cross sectional study to assess RLS prevalence in children with CF. We prospectively enrolled 78 pediatric CF patients aged 10–18 years from a single center between January-December 2024. Patients completed an adolescent RLS screening questionnaire, and those screening positive were evaluated using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group Severity Scale. Red cell distribution width (RDW) was used as a surrogate marker for iron deficiency, and its association with RLS was explored. Definite RLS was identified in 5 of 78 patients (6.4%, 95% CI: 2.4–15%), exceeding general pediatric prevalence estimates (2-4%). Among RLS-positive patients, the mean (±SD, standard deviation) severity score was 16.6 ± 8.8, with 80% experiencing moderate or severe symptoms. Family history was reported in 60%. The mean (±SD) RDW in non-RLS patients was 12.8 ± 0.9, while patients with RLS had a mean RDW of 13.4 ± 1.8 (p=0.5). This small study is the first to examine the prevalence of RLS in children with CF, revealing a prevalence of 6.4%, which is higher than that observed in the general pediatric population. Our findings suggest RLS is an underrecognized and treatable comorbidity in pediatric CF patients. Routine RLS screening, especially for those with sleep complaints, may improve quality of life.
Jayaram et al. (Sun,) studied this question.