In an observational study on the frequency of restless legs syndrome (RLS) and its contributing factors among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus we found a protective role of using prednisolone for RLS. The association was present while controlling for different confounding factors.
Are corticosteroids beneficial for restless legs syndrome?
What are the possible mechanisms?
Can anti-inflammatory properties play a role?
Hard to say. I don't think steroids will have a place for idiopathic RLS
"Clinical Management of Restless Leg Syndrome" by Lee, et al. lists steroids as an RLS friendly method of treating allergies as opposed to first generation antihistamines that can cause major RLS problems. However, steroids are not listed one of the drugs that has shown success in the treatment of idiopathic RLS.
Contrary to that question, symptoms of RLS can develop as a side-effect of some medicines, including steroids. Evidence supports the use Dopamine agonists, Levodopa is also effective, Benzodiazepines (NB! Clonazepam), Anticonvulsants (Carbamazepine), a non-dopaminergic treatment (Gabapentin) …some doctors express the view that the incidence of RLS is exaggerated by manufacturers of drugs used to treat it, but, steroids are not listed one of the drugs that has shown success in the treatment of RLS.
Thanks to all
This case report supports the use of prednisolone in treatment of RLS
http://www.sleep-journal.com/retrieve/pii/S1389945710000353
I don't think corticosteroids control restless leg syndrome. In a recent study Dopaminergic medication (Pramipexol) at recommended doses compared with a non-dopaminergic drug (Pregabalin) were evaluated for efficacy in this condition, and Pregabalin was found to be effective. Please refer to the following Reference:
Allen RP, Chen C, et al. N Engl J Med 370:621-630, 2014.
Dear Ali, have you considered that maybe your patients have a secondary form of RLS and that steroids may have alleviate the primary disorder (LES?) leading to a beneficial effect also on the symptomatic form of RLS?
Please see our review published in JAMA Internal Medicine
Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome: Future Research Needs: Identification of Future Research Needs From Comparative Effectiveness Review No. 86 [Internet].
Editors
Carlyle M, Ouellette J, Khawaja I, Wilt TJ.
Source
Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2013 Feb. Report No.: 13-EHC049-EF.
AHRQ Comparative Effectiveness Reviews.
Excerpt
This Future Research Needs (FRN) project is a followup to the draft Comparative Effectiveness Review (CER), “Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome.” The review was motivated by uncertainty around the effectiveness and comparative effectiveness of treatments for restless legs syndrome (RLS). The purpose of this FRN project is to identify and prioritize specific gaps in the current literature about the effectiveness and comparative effectiveness of treatments for RLS for which additional research would aid decisionmakers. We used a deliberative process to identify evidence gaps, translate gaps into researchable questions, and solicit stakeholder opinion on the importance of research questions. This report proposes specific research needs along with research design considerations that may be useful in advancing the field.
I don't think that steroids give benefit to the patients with RLS, instead of that they can provoke many side effects, but there are other drugs like Levodopa ad Anticonvulsants that can be used.
I would like to inform you that in another study in 88 patients with inflammatory bowel disease we found no association between corticosteroid use and RLS which does not confirm our previous finding in SLE patients.
We see a lot of patients with restless leg syndrome. Most cases are due to iron deficiency anaemia(60% in our hospital). Other causes include pregnancy, varicose veins, magnesium deficiency,folate deficiency, fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, uraemia, diabetes, thyroid disease, peripheral neuropathy, Parkinson's disease, Sjögren's syndrome, celiac disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Most patients have relief of RLS if we manage the associated disease. Until now we did not find good outcome for RLS with steroids.
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