Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Q: Can you do any lab test for restless leg syndrome (RLS)?


Answer: Yes! Ferritin level

Five major causes described for RLS

1. Iron Deficiency: Even without significant anemia, serum ferritin levels below 50 ng per mL can exacerbate RLS symptoms. Serum ferritin levels is now considered essential in the workup of RLS.

2. Neurologic: in association with spinal cord and peripheral nerve lesions.

3. Pregnancy: RLS may affects women during pregnancy. Symptoms usually subside within a few weeks postpartum.

4. Uremia: RLS occurs in up to 50 percent of patients with end-stage renal failure and subside after renal transplantation.

5. Drug-Induced like: tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs, lithium, Caffeine and dopamine antagonists.

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