Restless Legs Syndrome; Inflammation, Electroneuromyography Findings, and Disease Severity

Abstract Background The pathophysiology of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is poorly understood, although inflammation has been suggested to probably play a role. But how much peripheral nerves may be affected? In this study, we aimed to correlate the progression of idiopathic RLS (iRLS) with electrophysiologic changes in both systemic inflammation and peripheral nerves of the lower extremities. Methods In this study, we planned to analyze the inflammation markers and electroneuromyography findings of a total of 70 idiopathic iRLS patients according to severity level. Results Statistical analysis revealed statistically significant associations between disease severity, various biomarkers, and different levels of RLS severity. Especially neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, monocyte/high-density lipid ratio, C reactive protein/albumin ratio and C reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, red cell distribution width, mean platelet volume, ferritin, serum iron, bilirubin, and uric acid, vitamin D levels showed significant differences between severity groups. Correlation analysis also revealed statistically significant relationships between nerve conduction parameters and inflammatory and hematologic markers. Furthermore, peripheral nerve parameters, including all lower extremity nerve conduction velocities and amplitudes, also exhibited significant correlations with RLS severity (p < 0.001). Conclusions We found an association between iRLS and inflammatory markers. In addition to this relationship, we also found a positive correlation between the electrophysiological findings of the peripheral nerve of the lower extremities. To confirm the influence of inflammatory factors and inflammation on peripheral nerves in the pathogenesis of iRLS, neurophysiological studies with a large number of participants, including nerve biopsy, are needed.