RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME IN PREGNANCY: PREVALENCE, SYMPTOM SEVERITY AND TREATMENT EFFECTIVENESS

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, clinical features, risk factors, and treatment effectiveness of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in pregnant women. A prospective observation was conducted on 56 pregnant women with clinically verified RLS. It was found that symptom onset predominantly occurs during the second and third trimesters and is associated with iron deficiency, sleep disturbances, and increased anxiety. Moderate therapeutic response was observed with iron supplementation and non-pharmacological intervention. To analyze the clinical and functional features of RLS in pregnant women and assess the effectiveness of combined therapy in the observed cohort. The study included 56 pregnant women aged 19–38 years presenting with nighttime discomfort in the legs, meeting the diagnostic criteria of the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG). Each participant underwent clinical assessment using the IRLS severity scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale – Anxiety subscale (HADS-A). Laboratory tests included hemoglobin, ferritin, and serum iron levels. RLS symptoms appeared predominantly in the second (41.1%) and third (50.0%) trimesters, while only 8.9% of patients reported onset in the first trimester. Eighty-two percent reported significant sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, and light sleep. Sixty-four percent experienced increased daytime sleepiness and reduced performance. Seventy-one percent of patients had pain, tingling, or itching in the extremities, aggravated by sitting or lying down. Ferritin deficiency (<30 ng/mL) was detected in 73% of women, with 32% presenting with anemia (Hb <110 g/L). Mean ferritin before therapy was 19.4 ± 8.7 ng/mL. Patients without iron deficiency had milder disease: mean IRLS scores were 5–6 points lower, and PSQI sleep quality scores were 3–4 points better (p < 0.05). Early diagnosis and timely iron supplementation are essential components of pregnancy management and contribute to improved maternal and perinatal outcomes.