Increased Frequency of Restless Legs Syndrome in Myasthenia Gravis

Background/aims: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG).

Methods: We interviewed 73 MG patients and 65 healthy controls by using a structured diagnostic questionnaire based on the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group diagnostic criteria. We also collected data about the course of MG therapy, the presence of other comorbidities, sleep complaints, and demographic characteristics. All of the MG patients underwent neurological assessment.

Results: RLS was present in 43.2% of the MG patients and in 20% of the controls (p = 0.0029). We failed to identify a relationship between the prevalence of RLS and the duration and type of MG therapy, other comorbidities, age or sex of the patients. Patients with MG more frequently reported daytime sleepiness. For 9.4% of the RLS-positive MG patients, RLS symptoms represented the most disturbing health problem; for 46.9% of them, RLS was as problematic as other diseases.

Conclusions: RLS is common in MG patients. MG patients consider RLS symptoms as a troublesome health problem.