Increased frequency and severity of restless legs syndrome in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

Objectives: To investigate the comorbidity of restless legs syndrome (RLS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Methods: This study enrolled 159 NMOSD patients and 153 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. All participants completed a questionnaire based on the updated International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group consensus criteria, the International RLS Severity scale, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and were subsequently interviewed by a neurologist. The frequency and features of RLS were compared between NMOSD patients and healthy controls. The clinical and radiological characteristics of the NMOSD patients with and without RLS were also compared. Results: The frequency and severity of RLS were significantly higher in NMOSD patients than in healthy controls (p = 0.015 for both) and NMOSD patients with RLS had a longer disease duration and more severe disability than those without RLS. Conclusions: This study indicated importance of considering RLS in NMOSD patients.