0920 RSL Symptoms in Women with Liver Disease

Abstract Introduction A high prevalence of RLS symptoms has been reported in chronic liver diseases, however its etiology and therapy remain unclear. To extent data regarding the prevalence of RLS symptoms in liver dysfunction we compared groups of patients with different severity of liver failure. Methods A sample of 22 Women 46.8 ± 10.5 years old, with BMI 25.6 ± 3.7, being seen at Liver Clinic Department of a tertiary referral center (INCMNSZ) were invited to participate and provided informed consent. The study was approved by the local ethics committee. Consecutive women with liver dysfunction (abnormal liver function tests and histological liver disease) were included and classified as Child-Pugh A or B according to the severity of the disease. Excluded patients were those with clinical hepatic encephalopathy, uncontrolled hypothyroidism, or those using medication that could induce RLS. Women that self-report uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations in the legs, with an urge to move, worsening the sensation during periods of rest or inactivity and relieved by activity were classified as having RSL symptoms. Results Near thirty-two percent of the sample complain of RSL symptoms. The presence of RSL symptoms increased with the severity of the liver disease (Child-Pugh A=14.3% pts. Versus B=62.5% pts., Chi square = 6.28, p< 0.012). Conclusion In our small sample of women with liver cirrhosis we found an increase of RSL symptoms in those patients with greater severity. Future studies could explore the mechanisms involved and if RSL symptoms could be associated with mortality. Support (If Any) None.