Vitamin D in the Treatment of Primary Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor disorder that syndrome may substantially interfere with normal sleep, leading to significant impairment in patients' productivity and quality of life. The most common and potent of all treatment regimens are the dopaminergic agonist agents, which carry serious adverse events in their prolonged use despite their augmentation. A few basic studies have suggested a potential relationship between vitamin D and RLS. It has been implicated that dopaminergic system dysfunction plays a role in the development of RLS, while vitamin D has a protective effect on that system. This has been further substantiated by few clinical observations that showed prompt improvement of RLS patients upon receiving dopaminergic agents such as carbamazepine. Other studies have revealed low serum levels of vitamin D in RLS patients, along with remarkable improvement after vitamin D replacement therapy, as has been demonstrated in a recent pilot study. This collectively points at vitamin D as a potential, more natural and safer treatment option for those suffering from RLS. However, the role of vitamin D in RLS has not been effectively investigated. The aim of this 12-week, triple-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial is to confirm the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and RLS and hence elucidate the efficacy of vitamin D replacement therapy in reducing the severity of RLS, with predictions that the results will contribute to better understanding of the disease and its management. Methods and Materials: This 12-week, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial is take place over a duration of 2 years. It will be held in the city of Jeddah to assess a sample of Saudi residents of the Western region. It is comprised of a number of visits, with the first one consisting of a questionnaire that is to be answered regarding RLS, physical examination, electromyography, the objective multiple Suggested Immobilization test, and blo