Abstract:
Objective:To determine the frequency of obstetrics Restless legs syndrome(RLS) in industrialized area of Karachi and to identify
possible risk factors of RLS in Pakistani population.
Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study was carried out in a Teaching Hospital from 1st January 2013 to 31st January
2014.All pregnant women of 20- 44 years old in first trimester without peripheral vascular disease, painful legs, peripheral
neuropathy, nocturnal leg cramps and moving toes were enrolled in the study. A close-ended questionnaire developed from
International RLS Study Group was used.The diagnosis of RLS was then ascertained by the obstetrician by using the criteria
of the International RLS Study Group and they were labeled as “RLS sufferers and were kept in RLS group while others that
is non RLS sufferers were kept in the healthy group. Descriptive and comparative statistical analyses were performed using
SPSS Statistical Software 17.
Results:During a period of thirteen months, 900 pregnant women were interviewed and examined out of these 85.7% fulfilled
the criteria and constituted the study population. Out of these 31.90 % were RLS suffers. Among RLS suffers 55% were resident
of industrialized area. The majority of RLS suffers were multigravida and in their advance pregnancies.
Conclusion: The frequency of obstetrics Restless legs syndrome (RLS) in industrialized area of Karachi is 31.90 % Possible
risk factors of RLS in Pakistani population are multigravidity, advance pregnancy, industrialized area etc.