Prevalence of restless legs syndrome in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

AIM:To determine the prevalence of restless legs syndrome(RLS)in patients with irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).METHODS:Patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS(n=30),constipation-predominant IBS(n=30),or mixed-symptom IBS(n=30)were recruited from the community between March 2008 and February 2009.Rifaximin 200 mg three times daily was administered empirically to alleviate small intestinal bowel over-growth in all patients.The presence of RLS was assessed via an RLS questionnaire and polysomnography.RESULTS:Twentysix patients with IBS(29%)were diagnosed with RLS using the RLS questionnaire.Twenty-four of the 26 patients(92%)underwent polysomnog-raphy,and all had confirmation of RLS.A greater percentage of patients with RLS had diarrhea-predominant IBS(62%)compared with patients with constipation-predominant IBS(4%)or mixed-symptom IBS(33%).CONCLUSION:Restless legs syndrome is prevalent in patients with IBS,especially those with diarrheal symptoms.Assessment of concomitant disorders may improve diagnosis and expand relevant treatment options for patients.