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12.04.2024 | Original Communication

A survey-based approach on restless legs syndrome: practices and perspectives among Italian neurologists

verfasst von: Elena Antelmi, Gloria Pompea Mingolla, Maria Paola Mogavero, Raffaele Ferri, Giuseppe Lanza, Francesca Morgante, Chiara Bonetto, Antonella Conte, Luigi Ferini-Strambi, Giuseppe Plazzi, Alfredo Berardelli, Michele Tinazzi

Erschienen in: Journal of Neurology

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Abstract

Introduction

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a widely prevalent and complex neurological disorder. Despite notable advancements in managing RLS, the disorder continues to face challenges related to its recognition and management.

Objective

This study seeks to gain comprehensive insights into the knowledge and clinical practices among Italian neurologists regarding RLS diagnosis, management, and treatment, comparing approaches among general neurologists, movement disorder specialists, and sleep experts.

Methods

Members of the Italian Society of Neurology, the Italian Society of Parkinson and Movement Disorders, and the Italian Association of Sleep Medicine were invited to participate in a 19-question online survey.

Results

Among the 343 surveyed neurologists, 60% categorized RLS as a “sleep-related movement disorder.” Forty% indicated managing 5–15 RLS patients annually, with sleep specialists handling the highest patient volume. Of note, only 34% adhered strictly to all five essential diagnostic criteria. The majority (69%) favored low-dosage dopamine agonists as their first-line treatment, with movement disorder specialists predominantly endorsing this approach, while sleep experts preferred iron supplementation. Regular screening for iron levels was widespread (91%), with supplementation typically guided by serum iron alterations. In cases of ineffective initial treatments, escalating dopamine agonist dosage was the preferred strategy (40%).

Conclusions

These findings underscore a lack of a clear conceptualization of RLS, with a widespread misconception of the disorder as solely a movement disorder significantly influencing treatment approaches. Disparities in RLS understanding across neurology subspecialties underscore the necessity for improved diagnostic accuracy, targeted educational initiatives, and management guidelines to ensure consistent and effective RLS management.

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Titel: A survey-based approach on restless legs syndrome: practices and perspectives among Italian neurologists
verfasst von: Elena Antelmi
Gloria Pompea Mingolla
Maria Paola Mogavero
Raffaele Ferri
Giuseppe Lanza
Francesca Morgante
Chiara Bonetto
Antonella Conte
Luigi Ferini-Strambi
Giuseppe Plazzi
Alfredo Berardelli
Michele Tinazzi
Publikationsdatum: 12.04.2024
Verlag: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Erschienen in: Journal of Neurology
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Elektronische ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-024-12356-7

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