Antacids use linked to increased risk of restless leg syndrome: Study

USA: The use of antacids PPIs and H2A may increase the risk of restless leg syndrome (RLS), according to a recent study in the journal Sleep. Considering this, the researchers suggest the need for re-evaluating their use in populations at particular risk for RLS. 

RLS is a common sensorimotor disorder that is characterized by a compulsion to move one's legs during inactive periods due to discomfort in the legs that is relieved while moving. It can disrupt sleep and is though to be caused in part by low cellular iron stores. Histamine H2-receptor antagonists (H2A) and proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are the commonly used drugs worldwide and show evidence of causing iron deficiency. 

Against the above background, Eric J Earley, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, and colleagues aimed to investigate the association between PPI/H2A medication use and RLS risk in two groups of blood donors, one from the United States and another from Denmark.

For the purpose, the researchers conducted a case/non-case observational study of blood donors in the US (N = 13,403; REDS-III) and Denmark (N = 50,323; Danish Blood Donor Study, DBDS). Both the group of donors had complete blood count measures and a completed RLS assessment via the Cambridge–Hopkins RLS questionnaire.