Frequency of iron deficiency anemia in pregnant and non-pregnant women suffering from restless legs syndrome

Objectives. Restless Legs Syndrome is a movement disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs described as a burning, tingling, etc. Symptoms become worse in the evening and are relieved by moving the limbs. The idiopathic form of the disease is associated with a lack of dopamine, and the secondary form is associated with iron deficiency anemia, pregnancy, and kidney disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women and non-pregnant women suffering from RLS. Methods. The study was conducted on a sample of 231 pregnant women aged 18-50. The pregnant women were interviewed at the outpatient clinic of the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. This study also included a control group of 231 age-compatible non-pregnant women. Women who met the international criteria for diagnosing the syndrome filled in a sociodemographic questionnaire. Results. A statistically significant association between the existence of iron deficiency anemia and RLS in the sample of the examined women was proven (p < 0.001). It was also shown that RLS is more frequent in a sample of anemic pregnant women than non-anemic pregnant women (p = 0.008). Conclusion. Iron deficiency anemia is related with RLS. Pregnant women with RLS are more likely to be anemic than pregnant women without RLS.