The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has issued new clinical practice guidelines for treating restless legs syndrome (RLS) and periodic limb movement disorder. The guidelines, published online in September 2024, provide recommendations for clinicians to improve patient care.
According to the guidelines, all patients with significant RLS should have their iron levels checked regularly, including ferritin and transferrin saturation. This information helps determine whether oral or intravenous iron treatment is needed.
The authors also recommend addressing exacerbating factors such as alcohol, caffeine, and certain medications before using treatments like gabapentin or pregabalin. In addition, the guidelines suggest using IV ferric carboxymaltose for patients with adequate iron levels.
The recommendations include:
– Using gabapentin enacarbil over no treatment
– Using gabapentin over no treatment
– Using pregabalin over no treatment
– Using IV ferric carboxymaltose over no treatment
There is also a strong recommendation against using cabergoline due to its safety concerns.
The guidelines aim to provide clinicians with evidence-based recommendations for patient-centered care.
Source: https://www.healthday.com/healthpro-news/neurology/guidelines-developed-for-treatment-of-restless-legs-syndrome