Evaluation of the frequency of restless legs syndrome in children diagnosed with allergic diseases.

Objective: We aimed to determine the frequency of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in children with allergic diseases.

Methods: The age, gender, height, weight, BMI z-scores, and laboratory values of children diagnosed with asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and chronic urticaria, as well as a healthy control group, were examined. RLS was assessed using a questionnaire based on the diagnostic criteria of the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group. Neurological examination findings, questionnaire results, and RLS severity scores were evaluated by a pediatric neurology specialist.

Results: The study evaluated data from 270 children diagnosed with allergic diseases and 150 healthy controls. Both groups were statistically similar in terms of age, gender, weight, height, and BMI z-scores (p > 0.05). The frequency of RLS was reported as 13.3% in children with allergic airway disease, 15.5% in those with allergic skin disease, and 6.7% in the control group. The frequency of RLS in children with allergic airway disease and allergic skin disease was significantly higher compared to the control group (p = 0.041 and p = 0.022, respectively). The frequency of mild RLS in children with allergic diseases and the control group was 43.6% (n = 17) and 50% (n = 5), respectively (p = 0.737). The rate of females with RLS was significantly higher than those without RLS (69.2% vs. 30.8%) (p = 0.045). According to logistic regression analysis, individuals with allergic diseases were 2.307 (95.0% CI of OR 1.087 to 4.897) times more likely to develop RLS compared to those without allergic diseases (p = 0.029).

Conclusion: The frequency of RLS is higher in children with allergic diseases. Early diagnosis of RLS may allow for a holistic management of quality-of-life-reducing problems, such as sleep disorders, that may be associated with both conditions.