Impact of regular LDL apheresis on the development of restless legs syndrome

We examined 25 hyperlipidaemic patients with coronary heart disease undergoing regular low-density lipoprotein apheresis (LA) treatment in weekly intervals. In this patient population, half were found to have concomitant restless legs syndrome (RLS). Laboratory investigations suggest that iron metabolism is modified by regular LA treatment and this change may be involved in the pathogenesis of this previously unrecognised form of secondary RLS. Substitution of iron therefore may be a promising line of treatment for LA-induced RLS. (C) 2004 Movement Disorder Society.