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The following is a summary of “Simultaneous evaluation of restless leg syndrome, neuropathic pain, disease activity, and quality of life in patients with Takayasu arteritis: a cross-sectional study,” published in the January 2025 issue of Rheumatology by Kökoğlu et al.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study to investigate the frequency of restless legs syndrome (RLS) and neuropathic pain (NeP) in patients with takayasu arteritis (TAK). The study also examined their relationship with disease activity and quality of life (QoL).
They evaluated 30 patients with TAK and 28 healthy controls in this prospective case-control study. RLS diagnosis was confirmed using the International Restless Legs Study Group criteria, and NeP frequency was confirmed with the Douleur neuropathic-4 questionnaire (DN4). QoL was assessed using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) health survey. Univariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for factors associated with NeP in patients with TAK.
The results showed no significant difference in RLS diagnosis between the TAK group and controls (P = 0.195). NeP prevalence was higher in patients with TAK (P = 0.011). SF-36 scores for physical functioning (P = 0.01) and general health (P = 0.002) were lower in the TAK group. Vasculitis damage index (VDI) scores were higher in patients with NeP (P = 0.004). Univariate analyses identified VDI, unbound iron-binding capacity, and SF36 mental component summary as predictors of NeP.
Investigators found that NeP was more frequent in patients with TAK than in healthy controls. Patients with TAK were more negatively impacted by NeP and QoL than by RLS.
Source: nature.com/articles/s41598-024-83110-2
