Iron status and restless legs syndrome in the elderly.

The relationship between iron status and the restless legs syndrome (RLS) was examined in 18 elderly patients with RLS and in 18 matched control subjects. A rating scale with a maximum score of 10 was used to assess the severity of RLS symptoms. Serum ferritin levels were reduced in the RLS patients compared with control subjects (median 33 micrograms l vs. 59 micrograms l, p 18 micrograms l, 45 micrograms l, 100 micrograms l. Iron deficiency, with or without anaemia, is an important contributor to the development of RLS in elderly patients, and iron supplements can produce a significant reduction in symptoms.