Kinder- und Jugendmedizin 2024; 24(02): 124-130
DOI: 10.1055/a-2250-0445
Schwerpunkt

Restless-Legs-Syndrom im Kindes- und Jugendalter

Restless legs syndrome in children and adolescents
Julian Mollin
1   Klinikum Westbrandenburg
,
Lisa Klug
2   Universitätskinderklinik der Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg
,
Theresa Joost
3   Universität Potsdam
,
Ute Beyer
2   Universitätskinderklinik der Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg
,
Frank Mayer
3   Universität Potsdam
,
Thomas Erler
4   Health and Medical University Potsdam
› Author Affiliations

ZUSAMMENFASSUNG

Das Restless-Legs-Syndrom (RLS) ist eine häufige schlafbezogene Bewegungsstörung, gekennzeichnet durch einen Drang zu Beinbewegungen verursacht durch Missempfindungen. Symptome treten vorwiegend abends oder nachts auf und bessern sich durch Bewegung. Im Kindes- und Jugendalter ist das RLS unterdiagnostiziert, sodass es zu einer verzögerten, angemessenen Behandlung und einem erschwerten Zugang zu spezialisierter Versorgung kommt. Die Folge sind Tagesmüdigkeit und schlechte schulische Leistungen. Die Diagnose erfordert das Erfüllen der Kriterien der Internationalen Restless Legs Syndrom Study Group (IRLSSG) unter Berücksichtigung einer alters- und entwicklungsabhängigen Symptombeschreibung. Verschiedene Diagnoseinstrumente (Fragebögen, Laboruntersuchungen, Polysomnografie) unterstützen die Diagnosefindung und das Abgrenzen von Differenzialdiagnosen. Die Therapie umfasst nicht-medikamentöse Ansätze wie Schlafhygiene und Bewegung sowie off-label Eisensubstitution. Die Therapieentscheidung sollte unter Berücksichtigung von Symptomen und Leidensdruck individuell getroffen werden.

ABSTRACT

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sleep-related movement disorder characterized by an urge to move legs caused by sensory disturbances. Symptoms occur in the evening or at night and improve with movement. In childhood and adolescence, RLS is underdiagnosed, resulting in delayed appropriate treatment and difficult access to specialized care. The results are daytime sleepiness and low academic performance. Diagnosis requires meeting the criteria of the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG), considering an age- and development-dependent symptom description. Diagnostic instruments (questionnaires, laboratory tests, polysomnography) support the diagnosis and the delimitation of differential diagnoses. Therapy includes non-drug approaches such as sleep hygiene, exercise and off-label iron substitution. The therapy decision should be made individually, considering symptoms and suffering.



Publication History

Article published online:
12 April 2024

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