Predictive value of the MSIT & SCIT tests in diagnosing paediatric RLS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Predictive value of the Suggested Clinical Immobilisation Test (SCIT) and the multiple Suggested Immobilisation Test (mSIT) in the diagnosis of restless legs syndrome (RLS) children with leg discomfort
IRAS ID
210528
Contact name
Catherine Hill
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 29 days
Research summary
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor neurological disorder characterised by limb discomfort and an urge to move the legs to relieve discomfort. It affects 10% of adults of whom 25% had symptoms in childhood. Symptoms worsen in the late afternoon & evening. Children with RLS may struggle to fall asleep due to limb discomfort. 2/3 are associated with sleep related periodic limb movements. Children often present to sleep clinics with difficulties falling asleep, restless sleep and daytime sleepiness. There is a clinical overlap with growing pains (GPS) which share the same characteristics, other than the urge to relieve the sensory symptoms with movement (a characteristic restricted to RLS). GPS often present to orthopaedic & paediatric rheumatology clinics.
We will contribute data to an international study collating clinical and genetic data on children with GPS, RLS & healthy controls with the aim to determine similarities and differences between the conditions.
However, a limitation in clinical and research practice is the lack of an objective test for RLS. In adults, the multiple suggested immobilisation test (mSIT) has excellent predictive value for RLS. The involves the patient sitting still over 4 periods of one hour while limb movements are measured with EMG and they rate their sensory disturbance.
In this study we wish to assess the predictive value of both the mSIT and an new test- the Suggested Clinical Immobilisation test (a 5 minute test designed for use in clinic in children) to distinguish RLS from GPS and healthy controls.
We will study otherwise healthy children who have RLS or GPS alongside healthy controls (friends/siblings) over one afternoon/early evening in the Southampton Biomedical Research Facility. Sleep will be measured over 2 weeks at home with wrist worn accelerometers & daily sleep logs. Limb discomfort will be measured over 2 days with night-time ankle worn accelerometers & symptom log.REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SW/0235
Date of REC Opinion
30 Aug 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion