TY - JOUR
T1 - Controversies and Challenges in Defining the Etiology and Pathophysiology of Restless Legs Syndrome
AU - Allen, Richard P.
PY - 2007/1
Y1 - 2007/1
N2 - Restless legs syndrome (RLS) can occur as a primary disorder, with no apparent cause other than a possible genetic predisposition, or as a secondary condition, most commonly related to iron deficiency, pregnancy, or end-stage renal disease. Recent studies have identified 2 different phenotypes of RLS based on age at onset of symptoms. Persons whose RLS symptoms start at an earlier age (<45 years) are more likely to have a family history of RLS and tend to have a more slowly progressive development of the disorder compared with individuals who have later onset of symptoms. In the past, our ability to determine either prevalence or population factors associated with increased occurrence of RLS has been limited. However, 4 different diagnostic criteria have been established. Familiarity with diagnostic criteria and clinical characteristics are essential for diagnosis and appropriate treatment, if required.
AB - Restless legs syndrome (RLS) can occur as a primary disorder, with no apparent cause other than a possible genetic predisposition, or as a secondary condition, most commonly related to iron deficiency, pregnancy, or end-stage renal disease. Recent studies have identified 2 different phenotypes of RLS based on age at onset of symptoms. Persons whose RLS symptoms start at an earlier age (<45 years) are more likely to have a family history of RLS and tend to have a more slowly progressive development of the disorder compared with individuals who have later onset of symptoms. In the past, our ability to determine either prevalence or population factors associated with increased occurrence of RLS has been limited. However, 4 different diagnostic criteria have been established. Familiarity with diagnostic criteria and clinical characteristics are essential for diagnosis and appropriate treatment, if required.
KW - Dopamine
KW - Epidemiology
KW - Iron
KW - Restless Legs Syndrome
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U2 - 10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.11.003
DO - 10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.11.003
M3 - Article
C2 - 17198766
AN - SCOPUS:33845792112
SN - 0002-9343
VL - 120
SP - S13-S21
JO - American Journal of Medicine
JF - American Journal of Medicine
IS - 1 SUPPL. 1
ER -