Clinical analysis on restless legs syndrome in ten elderly cases
- VernacularTitle:老年人不宁腿综合征的临床分析
- Author:
Lie MA
;
Bin SUN
;
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Restless legs syndrome;
Levodopa
- From:
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics
2003;0(12):-
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To study the diagnosis and treatment of restless legs syndrome(RLS)in the elderly.Methods The diagnosis of RLS was based on criteria proposed by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group.Ten elderly patients with RLS were enrolled in the research. The clinical presentation and treatment results were analyzed retrospectively.Results All 10 patients were complained of compelling urge to move their limbs.The sensory symptoms were involved in the 4 patients' legs,involved both arms and legs in another 5 patients.It occurred unilaterally in the left of I patient.All patients complained of syndromes aggravated in the night, other three patients also had distinct syndromes in the daytime.Three patients had family history of RLS.The unpleasant sensations were partially or totally relieved by movement.Neurophysiological tests in 5 patients were normal.The iron deficiency occurred only in 1 patient with low serum ferritin and iron levels,Rebound and augmentation were observed in 1 patient in the course of three years treatment with Sinemet.All patients administered a dopamine receptor agonist(pergolide)and showed positive results.Oral administration of iron improved RLS symptoms in a patient with iron deficiency. Conclusions The diagnosis of RLS is usually based on the patient's clinical presentation,which has characteristic feature in the elderly.Rebound and augmentation are serious side-effects in the course of long-term treating with L-DOPA.Therapy of RLS with dopamine receptor agonists is firstly chosen.
