Health-related quality of life and economic burden in patients with restless legs syndrome

Abstract

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is characterized by a distressing, irresistible need or urge to move the legs. It often co-exists with an uncomfortable, though not usually painful, sensation in the legs. Although clear diagnostic criteria and effective treatment options exist, RLS is generally underdiagnosed and under-treated. RLS patients often suffer from sleep disturbances that may severely disrupt normal life functioning. Furthermore, it is one of the most common neurological disorders. In this communication, we provide a systematic review of the literature on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and health economic issues in patients suffering from RLS. RLS has a considerable impact on the HRQoL of patients, which is comparable to other neurological and chronic diseases. The most important factors contributing to the impairment of HRQoL are the severity of RLS symptoms and the associated sleep disturbances. Although little work has been published on cost-of-illness of RLS, available studies suggest that a considerable economic burden is caused by RLS. Because of the large number of patients requiring treatment and the considerable increase in the number of treatment studies performed in recent years, as well as approval of several drugs for this indication, we assume a considerable increase in treatment frequency. Very few of the RLS treatment options, however, have been evaluated for their cost–effectiveness, and further research is needed on both quality-of-life issues and the economic impact of RLS.

Keywords::

• cost–effectiveness
• cost of illness
• economic burden
• epidemiology
• incidence
• prevalence
• quality of life
• restless legs
• RLS

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Notes

Modified from [11].