RLS Studies

"Dopamine - RLS Connection "

04-01-16-04

Summary
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a sensory-motor disorder in which the dopaminergic system and brain iron appear to play a role. The dramatic symptomatic response to L-DOPA in over 98% of RLS subjects and the induction of RLS-like symptoms with DA antagonists provide convincing evidence for the role of the dopaminergic (DAergic) system in the production of RLS symptoms per se. The autopsy, CSF, MRI, and IV iron treatment data indicate a role of brain-iron deficiency in RLS.
Length
All subjects will be admitted to one of the General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) at Johns Hopkins for 4 days.
Compensation
You will be reimbursed: $100 for completion of all SIT, PSG, and MRI studies, and $300 for completing each of the 3 PET scans (so that is $900 for completing all 3 PET scans), for a total of $1000.
Inclusion Criteria
RLS Subjects

• Clinical diagnosis of RLS meeting the following 4 clinical criteria when not treated with medications. Symptoms must occur 7 days a week for at least the past 6 months in order to ensure symptomatic state during the period of study.
• PLMS/hr as determined by LAM or PSG must be 10 or greater, to provide accurate numbers of PLMS for use as the primary "objective" measure of RLS severity.

For the last 6 months patient must have regular sleep times that are between 9 PM and 9 AM for at least 5 out of 7 nights. This seeks to ensure a reasonably normal circadian pattern and in particular excludes shift workers.

Control Subjects

The control subjects will be matched for age, race and gender with RLS subjects. Controls will be studied for sleep disorders and must meet all the exclusion criteria that are listed below; and have none of the 4 defining symptoms for RLS; and have PLMS/hr <15 on a PSG or LAM and PLMW/hr < 5 on the evening SIT. These follow the same criteria currently established for our R01 study. Participants must have a primary care provider and an EKG within the last month. In addition, they must not have any history of High Blood Pressure and not have donated blood within the last month.