BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sleep-related neurological disorder that affects the quality of sleep. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, predictive factors, and natural course of RLS, and its effect on sleep quality in pregnant Thai women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study that included 214 pregnant women was performed. RLS was diagnosed according to the revised criteria of the International RLS Study Group (IRLSSG). General demographic and antenatal-care data were reviewed. Scores on the Thai versions of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the IRLSSG Rating Scale were determined. RESULTS: RLS was diagnosed in 24 of the pregnant women (11.2%): 4.2%, 25.0%, and 70.8% in the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that a hemoglobin level (Hb) less than 11 g/dL [odds ratio (OR)=3.21, 95% CI=1.27–8.13] and a history of RLS (OR=16.62, 95% CI=1.52–181.32) were associated with RLS during pregnancy. Subjects with RLS significantly had higher Thai-ESS scores (p < 0.01). All subjects with RLS had severe symptoms that subsided within 1 week after delivery. No immediate labor complication was associated with RLS. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has confirmed a high prevalence of RLS and its impacts on sleep in pregnant women. An Hb of less than 11 g/dL and a history of RLS are predictive factors for RLS developing during pregnancy. Pregnancy-related RLS has a benign course and usually disappears within 1 week after delivery.
Anemia ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Nervous System Diseases ; Obstetric Labor Complications ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, Third ; Pregnant Women ; Prevalence* ; Restless Legs Syndrome* ; Sleep Wake Disorders

Background & Objective: Non-Motor Symptoms (NMS) are common in Parkinson’s disease (PD). While prevalence of each NMS in Thai PD patients is unknown, these NMS might have an impact on patients’ wellbeing. The aim of this study is to identify the prevalence, pattern and impact of NMS on the quality of life in Thai PD patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study in 115 PD patients was conducted at Thammasat University hospital. Subtype of PD, Schwab & England activity of daily living (ADL scale), Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score and the modified Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y scale) were recorded. NMS and quality of life were assessed using Thammasat University Non-Motor Symptoms Questionnaire (TU-NMSQuest) and Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-8 (PDQ-8). Results: All patients reported at least one NMS. A mean number of 15.94 ± 6.48 NMS was reported by each patient. Nocturia (79.1%), urinary urgency (73%), and fatigue (71.3%) were the most prevalent NMS. Significant correlations were observed between TU-NMSQuest and UPDRS motor score, H&Y scale, ADL scale, subtype of PD, and PDQ-8. Conclusion: NMS are common and have a significant impact on the quality of life in PD patients. Advanced disease stage, poorer motor or ADL function, and non-tremor dominant subtype are associated with a higher number of NMS and lower quality of life in Thai PD patients.