Restless Leg Syndrome In Pregnancy: An Experience From Low Socio-Economic Population Of Karachi

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to determine the frequency of restless leg syndrome during pregnancy and explore its association with various demographic parameters in the studied population.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Medical College Hospital in Gynecology Outpatient department. One hundred and two pregnant females were enrolled after taking informed consent from the study participants. They were asked questions regarding sociodemographic characteristics and clinical features of restless leg syndrome and further questions were asked from those who had positive symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Variables like age, parity, hemoglobin, co-morbid were identified and data was entered and analyzed by SPSS version 25, frequencies and percentages were calculated, correlations were estimated and p value <0.05 considered significant. Chi
square test was performed to determine the association of restless leg syndrome with qualitative demographic characteristics and Pearson Correlation was also performed to evaluate the relation between the restless leg syndrome with continuous variables.
Results: Restless leg syndrome was identified in 36.6% females which was quite high as compared to non-pregnant females. It was predominantly found in the third trimester and primi-gravidas. Increased parity and increased gestational age were found to be positively correlated with restless leg syndrome. Most patients had mild intensity of the disease and severe disease was found to be less
commonly present.
Conclusion: In conclision, restless leg syndrome is a disabling disorder and is associated with sociodemographic characteristics. It was found significantly present in the studied population and associated with increased morbidity among pregnant females. The condition negatively impacts mood, quality of life and general well-being of the mothers