Frequency and risk factors of restless leg syndrome in pregnant women

Background: Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a prevalent neurological condition in pregnancy, and is associated with poor maternal and fetal outcomes Objective: To determine the frequency and the risk factors leading to restless leg syndrome in pregnant women. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from 3rd December 2023 to 2nd June 2024, at the Obstetrics & Gynecology department of Bilawal Medical College and affiliated Countess of Dufferin Fund Hospital, Jamshoro, Pakistan. Pregnant women from all trimesters, aged 20–40 years, were recruited using non-probability consecutive sampling after obtaining informed consent. Pregnant women having painful legs, peripheral neuropathy, akathisia, nocturnal leg cramps, peripheral vascular disease, pre-gestational diabetes, renal failure, and varicose veins were excluded. RLS was diagnosed based on the 2012 revised International RLS Study Group (IRLSSG) criteria. 5 mL of blood was collected for complete blood count (CBC) and iron studies. Data analysis was performed using SPSS Version 22. Results: A Total of 204 participants were included. The mean age of the pregnant women was 24.83±4.41 years. RLS was observed in 97 participants (47.5%), with the remaining 107 (52.5%) unaffected. RLS was most prevalent in the third trimester, accounting for 22.5% of cases. Most women were multiparous (152, 74.5%), while 52 (25.5%) were nulliparous. Iron deficiency anemia was identified as a significant risk factor for restless leg syndrome, with an odds ratio of 7.839 (p < 0.001). Additionally, gestational hypertension (OR=2.679, p=0.041) and chronic hypertension (OR=9.418, p=0.003) were significantly associated with an increased risk of RLS. Conclusion: Restless leg syndrome affected nearly half of the pregnant women studied, with the highest prevalence observed in the third trimester. Iron deficiency anemia, gestational hypertension, and chronic hypertension were found to be significant risk factors for RLS, highlighting the need for early identification and management of these conditions during pregnancy.