Iron treatment of restless legs syndrome

Abstract

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) has a high prevalence in the elderly, which significantly impacts sleep, quality of life, and increases the risk of falls while walking at night. There is sufficient research to support the concept of altered brain iron homeostasis in RLS as part of the underlying pathology of RLS. A Task Force was established by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group to develop evidence-based and consensus guidelines for the iron treatment of RLS in adults. Consensus recommendations based on clinical practice are presented, including when to use oral iron or intravenous iron, and recommendations on repeated iron treatments. New iron treatment algorithms, based on evidence and consensus opinion have been developed. Iron therapy is of great importance in various structures, including improvement of the pathophysiology and clinical symptoms of RLS. It is necessary to develop treatment methods such as more active brain delivery and accurate monitoring, and additional long-term clinical guidelines are expected through various studies.