Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a common condition of the nervous system. It causes an overwhelming, irresistible urge to move the legs, mainly in the evening and night hours. It occurs in 7.2–10.0% of the population of western countries. Etiopathogenesis of RLS is not fully understood, but there is a hypothesis than an important role may play the imbalance between thyroid function and the dopaminergic system. The main aim of the study is to assess the incidence of RLS in population of patients with thyroid diseases and compare its epidemiology to the general population.

Material and methods: In the study we used online survey (based on the Google Spreadsheet mechanism), which was distributed via social media in groups associating patients with thyroid diseases (test group) and outside them (control group). The questionnaire included questions about all of criteria for the diagnosis of RLS, according to the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group consensus (2014).

Results: In pilot study based on responses from 94 respondents, a slightly more frequent occurrence of RLS symptoms was found in patients with thyroid disease than in the control group (Δ=1.18%, but P=0.09). Research in progress – full results (based on a group exceeding the minimum sample size, i.e. >384 respondents) will be presented during the conference.

Conclusion: Based on the current results of the study, patients with thyroid disease more often report RLS than in the general population. Full conclusions will be presented during the conference.