Restless legs syndrome is associated with long-COVID in women

Restless legs symptoms increased during COVID-19 pandemic. International ICOSS-survey

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) has been associated with anxiety, depression, insomnia, lifestyle factors and infections. We aimed to study the prevalence of symptoms of RLS during the COVID-19 pandemic versus pre-pandemic. We hypothesized that pre-existing RLS symptoms worsened and pandemic-related factors may have triggered new symptoms of RLS.

METHODS

Adults (≥18 years) from fifteen countries across four continents participated in an online survey between May and August 2020. The harmonized questionnaire included a validated single question on RLS with response alternatives from 1 to 5 on a scale from never to every/almost every evening or night. Other measures were the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), measures of symptoms of anxiety (GAD-2) and depression (PHQ-2), and questions on different pandemic-related factors.

RESULTS

Altogether, 17 846 subjects (63.8 % women) were included in the final analyses. The mean age was 41.4 years (SD 16.1). During the pandemic, symptoms of RLS (≥3 evenings/nights per week) were more common 9.1 % (95 % CI 8.7-10.1) compared to 5.4 % (95 % CI 4.9-6.0) before the pandemic (P < 0.0001). Alltogether 1.3 % (95 % CI 1.1-1.6) respondents had new-onset symptoms (≥3 evenings/nights per week). Moderate-severe insomnia was strongly associated with RLS symptoms. The occurrences of new-onset RLS symptoms were 5.6 % (95 % CI 0.9-13.0) for participants reporting COVID-19 and 1.1 % (95 % CI 0.7-1.5) for non-COVID-19 participants. In the fully adjusted logistic regression model, the occurrence of new-onset RLS symptoms was associated with younger age, social restrictions and insomnia severity. In a similar analysis, RLS symptoms (≥3 evenings/nights per week) were associated with lower education, financial hardship, sleep apnea symptoms, use of hypnotics, insomnia severity, symptoms of depression and possible post-traumatic stress disorder.

DISCUSSION

Our findings indicate that RLS symptoms were more common during the pandemic than before. Usually, the prevalence of RLS increases with age. However, during the pandemic, new-onset symptoms of RLS were more common in younger age groups. This may be due to the pandemic-related factors being more pronounced in the younger compared to the older. The association between insomnia, psychiatric symptoms and RLS warrants clinical attention.

Unveiling the pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome through transcriptome analysis

The aim of this study was to analyze signaling pathways associated with differentially expressed messenger RNAs in people with restless legs syndrome (RLS). Seventeen RLS patients and 18 controls were enrolled. Coding RNA expression profiling of 12,857 gene transcripts by next-generation sequencing was performed. Enrichment analysis by pathfindR tool was carried-out, with p-adjusted ≤0.001 and fold-change ≥2.5. Nine main different network groups were significantly dysregulated in RLS: infections, inflammation, immunology, neurodegeneration, cancer, neurotransmission and biological, blood and metabolic mechanisms. Genetic predisposition plays a key role in RLS and evidence indicates its inflammatory nature; the high involvement of mainly neurotropic viruses and the TORCH complex might trigger inflammatory/immune reactions in genetically predisposed subjects and activate a series of biological pathways-especially IL-17, receptor potential channels, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, NOD-like receptor, mitogen-activated protein kinase, p53, mitophagy, and ferroptosis-involved in neurotransmitter mechanisms, synaptic plasticity, axon guidance, neurodegeneration, carcinogenesis, and metabolism.

Correlates of Restless Legs Syndrome in Older People

Background: We examined the association between restless legs syndrome (RLS) and comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) data in two older European populations. The second goal was to evaluate correlates of their quality of life (QoL). Methods: Diagnostic criteria of the International RLS Study Group (IRLSSG) and elements of CGA were used in this study. Results: Among the examined 246 participants, 77 (31.3%) suffered from RLS, more often in the UK (39.4%) than in Poland (25.4%) (p = 0.019). In the multivariate logistic regression model, female sex [OR (CI) = 3.29 (1.51-7.21); p = 0.0014], the number of medications per day [OR (CI) = 1.11 (1.02-1.20); p = 0.011] and alcohol consumption [OR (CI) = 5.41 (2.67-10.95); p < 0.001] increased the probability of RLS. Residing in Poland [OR (CI) = 3.06 (1.36-6.88); p = 0.005], the presence of RLS [OR (CI) = 2.90 (1.36-6.17); p = 0.004], chronic heart failure, [OR (CI) = 3.60 (1.75-7.41); p < 0.001], osteoarthritis [OR (CI) = 2.85 (1.47-5.49); p = 0.0016], and urinary incontinence [OR (CI) = 4.74 (1.87-11.9); p < 0.001] were associated with a higher probability of mobility dimension problems in the QoL. Higher physical activity was related to a lower probability of mobility problems [OR (CI) = 0.85 (0.78-0.92); p < 0.001]. Conclusions: female sex, the number of medications and alcohol consumption are independent correlates of RLS in older adults. RLS together with several chronic medical conditions and a low physical activity level were independent correlates of the mobility dimension of the QoL.

Global prevalence of post-COVID-19 sleep disturbances in adults at different follow-up time points: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Our systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the prevalence of post-COVID sleep disturbances in adult population. We systematically searched relevant studies from four databases that reported post-COVID sleep disturbances prevalence with a mean or median follow-up duration of ≥28 days. We identified 153 eligible papers, with a total COVID-19 population of 252437. Employing multilevel mixed-effects meta-analyses, we estimated the overall pooled prevalence of post-COVID sleep disturbances being 28.98% (25.73-32.34), with the highest prevalence reported in Europe and the lowest in Southeast Asia. Poor sleep quality was the most prevalent definition of sleep disturbances, followed by excessive daytime sleepiness, insomnia, sleep apnea. Prevalence estimates were notably higher when measured with Epworth sleepiness scale, or Pittsburgh sleep quality index compared to symptom questionnaires, self-reports, or personal interviews. Female sex (Odds ratio, OR = 1.59, 1.38-1.83) and severe/critical acute COVID-19 (OR = 1.36, 1.09-1.69) emerged as substantial risk factors. Our review underscore the persistent prevalence of sleep disturbances among COVID-19 survivors, and the importance of factors such as geography, definition, measures of sleep disorders, sex, and severity of acute COVID-19 infection. These findings highlight the urgent need for further investigation into the underlying molecular mechanisms driving these sleep disturbances to develop effective therapeutic strategies.

Acute and post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection: a review of risk factors and social determinants

SARS-CoV-2 infection leading to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused more than 762 million infections worldwide, with 10-30% of patients suffering from post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infections (PASC). Initially thought to primarily affect the respiratory system, it is now known that SARS-CoV-2 infection and PASC can cause dysfunction in multiple organs, both during the acute and chronic stages of infection. There are also multiple risk factors that may predispose patients to worse outcomes from acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and contribute to PASC, including genetics, sex differences, age, reactivation of chronic viruses such as Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), gut microbiome dysbiosis, and behavioral and lifestyle factors, including patients' diet, alcohol use, smoking, exercise, and sleep patterns. In addition, there are important social determinants of health, such as race and ethnicity, barriers to health equity, differential cultural perspectives and biases that influence patients' access to health services and disease outcomes from acute COVID-19 and PASC. Here, we review risk factors in acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and PASC and highlight social determinants of health and their impact on patients affected with acute and chronic sequelae of COVID-19.

Vitamin D and Restless Legs Syndrome: A Review of Current Literature

This review presents a detailed summary of the current literature regarding RLS and vitamin D deficiency. To our knowledge it is the first review of its kind. We review the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in RLS as well as the evidence for the use of vitamin D supplementation in RLS management. We further examine the literature for proteomic and genetic evidence of a role for vitamin D in the pathogenesis of RLS. An alteration in vitamin D binding protein in RLS is one of the most consistent findings in the proteomic studies. Furthermore, we examine the interaction of vitamin D with calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone and the possible role of these connections in RLS. We also explore the possible nexus between RLS and vitamin D in renal disease, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease as well as inflammation. In addition, we review the potential interaction between vitamin D and RLS with iron, dopamine and other neurotransmitter systems including the endogenous opiate, serotoninergic, glutamatergic and adenosinergic systems. We also explore the role of vitamin D in RLS Augmentation (i.e., the paradoxical worsening of RLS symptoms when dopaminergic agents are used as a therapy for RLS). Although the literature is not entirely consistent in affirming vitamin D deficiency in RLS or the amelioration of RLS symptoms with vitamin D therapy, the collective studies overall indicate that vitamin D deficiency is common enough in RLS patients to suggest that RLS patients should have their vitamin D levels checked and any deficiency corrected as a standard of care.

Highlights 

Patients with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) may be deficient in vitamin D and therapy with vitamin D may ameliorate RLS. We present the first review dedicated solely to evaluating the relationship between RLS and vitamin D and present a case for the role of vitamin D in RLS pathogenesis.

European Working Group on SARS-CoV-2: Current Understanding, Unknowns, and Recommendations on the Neurological Complications of COVID-19

The emergence of COVID-19 was rapidly followed by infection and the deaths of millions of people across the globe. With much of the research and scientific advancement rightly focused on reducing the burden of severe and critical acute COVID-19 infection, the long-term effects endured by those who survived the acute infection has been previously overlooked. Now, an appreciation for the post-COVID-19 condition, including its neurological manifestations, is growing, although there remain many unknowns regarding the aetiology and risk factors of the condition, as well as how to effectively diagnose and treat it. Here, drawing upon the experiences and expertise of the clinicians and academics of the European working group on COVID-19, we have reviewed the current literature to provide a comprehensive overview of the neurological sequalae of the post-COVID-19 condition. In this review, we provide a summary of the neurological symptoms associated with the post-COVID-19 condition, before discussing the possible mechanisms which may underly and manifest these symptoms. Following this, we explore the risk factors for developing neurological symptoms as a result of COVID-19 and the post-COVID-19 condition, as well as how COVID-19 infection may itself be a risk factor for the development of neurological disease in the future. Lastly, we evaluate how the post-COVID condition could be accurately diagnosed and effectively treated, including examples of the current guidelines, clinical outcomes and tools that have been developed to aid in this process, as well as addressing the protection provided by COVID-19 vaccines against post-COVID-19 condition. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the neurological sequalae of the post-COVID-19 condition.

Inflammatory factors and restless legs syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The possible role of inflammatory factors in the pathogenesis of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is not well understood. Because several inflammatory diseases have shown an association with the risk for RLS, the measurement of serum/plasma levels of inflammatory factors has been a matter of a scarce number of studies. We performed a systematic review and a meta-analysis to assess the possible association of serum/plasma levels of inflammatory markers with the risk for RLS. Our results showed a significant trend towards higher serum/plasma C reactive protein (CRP) levels and higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR) ratio in patients diagnosed with RLS than in controls, although statistical significance disappeared after applying the random-effects model. Further studies are needed to confirm the suggested possible role of inflammatory factors in the pathogenesis of RLS.

Prevalence of restless legs syndrome during the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic in South Korea: A nationwide cross-sectional population-based study

Background

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has been associated with a significant increase in sleep disorders. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of restless leg syndrome (RLS) and the effect of COVID-19 on RLS during the pandemic in Korea.

Methods

The National Sleep Survey of South Korea 2022 was employed in this study. This study was a large population-based web survey using a structural questionnaire of a four thousand representative sample of individuals aged 20-69 years in Korea. The survey was conducted between January 2022 and February 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic. RLS was diagnosed using the Korean version of the paradigm of questions for epidemiological studies of RLS. Chronic persistent RLS was defined for individuals with RLS symptoms at least twice a week.

Results

Six hundred forty-nine (16.2%) and 172 (4.3%) patients were classified as having RLS and chronic persistent RLS, respectively. Female sex, being employed, the presence of COVID-19 vaccine-related adverse events, decreased sleep duration, the presence of EDS, and current treatment for insomnia were significantly associated with chronic persistent RLS.

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of RLS and chronic persistent RLS in the adult Korean population was higher than that reported in previous studies.

Bidirektionale Aspekte von SARS-CoV-2 und Schlafstörungen

Im vorliegenden Überblick wird der Zusammenhang zwischen der Schlaflänge, der Schlafqualität, dem Immunsystem und einer SARS-CoV-2-Infektion aufgezeigt. Kurzer und/oder schlechter Schlaf kann einen Einfluss auf das Entstehen einer Infektion sowie deren Verlauf haben. Ebenso können eine SARS-CoV-2-Infektion sowie die pandemiebedingten Umstände den Schlaf negativ beeinflussen. Dabei nimmt insbesondere die Schlafqualität ab. Die Pandemie hat somit das Potenzial, Schlafstörungen auszulösen, zu verstärken und/oder aufrechtzuerhalten. Diese Befunde haben insofern Relevanz, als nur ein ausreichender und erholsamer Schlaf das Immunsystem stärkt und protektiv bezüglich einer Infektion und ihres Verlaufs wirken kann. Die Pandemie stellt somit eine weitere Herausforderung für die Schlafmedizin dar und bietet gleichzeitig die Chance, die Bedeutung des Schlafs für die Gesundheit und den Krankheitsverlauf zu vermitteln.

Sleep During the COVID-19 Pandemic

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We reviewed current evidence on the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on sleep of different populations.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several studies demonstrated that sleep deprivation may cause immune system dysregulation, which deteriorates the course of COVID-19. The increased prevalence of sleep disorders among COVID-19 patients has been associated with more severe disease and worse clinical outcomes. Healthcare workers who were subjected to atypical workload and more nightshifts developed sleep disorders which associated with work-related errors and COVID-19 infection susceptibility. In general population, circadian misalignment and excessive stressors impaired sleep quality. Sleep dysfunction has been recorded due to the pandemic. It is essential to implement interventions in order to alleviate pandemic-related sleep disorders. Telemedicine, cognitive behavioral therapy, and sleep hygiene practices appear to be helpful. Psychotropic medication should be cautiously administered, while other pharmacological agents, such as melatonin, have shown promising results.