RLS study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The prevalence and potential aetiological factors associated with restless legs syndrome in patients with chronic kidney disease
IRAS ID
251719
Contact name
Sunil Bhandari
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 4 days
Research summary
The frequency and potential causes associated with restless leg syndrome in patients with chronic kidney disease
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a common condition seen in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is estimated that 1 in 4 people with CKD are affected by RLS and this number is thought to be even higher in the dialysis patient population.
RLS causes an overwhelming urge to move ones’ legs associated with an unpleasant sensation. It is often experienced during sleep and therefore contributes to insomnia. It is relieved by movement of the limb but often comes back within minutes.
Despite RLS being a very common condition the mechanism by which it occurs is poorly understood. Previous studies implicated low iron levels in the blood and the brain chemical, dopamine to be involved; however in many cases the cause cannot be identified.
The primary aim of the study is to look at the prevalence of RLS in Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, in order to assess the burden of RLS on the local CKD population. Secondly the study is aiming to look at blood tests and other factors such as medications and other conditions that may contribute to the severity of RLS.
In the study patients will be asked to complete a questionnaire and consent will be gained to access their medical records. Patients will not be asked to provide blood samples.
Patients who are currently undergoing diagnosis of CKD stage 4 &5 or currently on dialysis will be identified and invited to take part in the study. They will have to be 18 or over and willing and able to consent.
The study will be run in the NHS Dialysis units and NHS renal clinics. The study will last for three to four months.REC name
South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/SC/0476
Date of REC Opinion
20 Sep 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion