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Open Access 01-03-2019 | Sleep Breathing Physiology and Disorders • Original Article

Chronic pulmonary disease is associated with pain spreading and restless legs syndrome in middle-aged women—a population-based study

Authors: Zou Ding, Romana Stehlik, Jan Hedner, Jan Ulfberg, Ludger Grote

Published in: Sleep and Breathing | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Introduction

Recent studies suggest an increased prevalence of chronic pain conditions and restless legs syndrome (RLS) in patients with chronic pulmonary disease (CPD). We analyzed the prevalence and risk factors for pain and RLS in a population-based sample of females with comorbid CPD.

Method

Questionnaire-based data from 2745 women aged 18–64 years were analyzed regarding comorbid CPD status (severe bronchitis, emphysema, asthma). Pain status was assessed according to symptoms reflecting severity (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS rating 0–10) and duration and spreading (limited spread or widespread) of pain. A diagnosis of RLS was defined by four validated diagnostic criteria. Anthropometrics and co-morbidities were assessed as covariates in univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Widespread pain was overrepresented in women with CPD (44.6 vs. 24.6%, p < 0.001). The odds ratio for widespread pain in women with CPD was 1.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–2.2, p < 0.001) in the fully adjusted model. Severe pain (VAS rating ≥ 7) was more prevalent in females with known CPD (28.8 vs. 15.4%, p < 0.001, odd ratio 1.4 (95% CI 1.0–1.9, p = 0.029)). The prevalence of RLS was 37.4 and 23.8% in subjects with or without CPD, respectively (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, CPD was associated with a 30% risk increase for RLS (odds ratio 1.3 (95% CI 1.0–1.7, p = 0.04)).

Conclusion

This population-based study identified CPD as an independent risk factor for severe and widespread pain as well as for RLS. Further research addressing pathophysiological mechanisms linking CPD and chronic pain conditions/RLS is warranted.

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Title: Chronic pulmonary disease is associated with pain spreading and restless legs syndrome in middle-aged women—a population-based study
Authors: Zou Ding
Romana Stehlik
Jan Hedner
Jan Ulfberg
Ludger Grote
Publication date: 01-03-2019
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Sleep and Breathing / Issue 1/2019
Print ISSN: 1520-9512
Electronic ISSN: 1522-1709
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-018-1673-z

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Conclusion

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