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526 Characteristics of Augmented RLS Patients on Dopamine Agonists at a Tertiary Referral Center: Where Do We Go From Here?


 
 
 Augmentation is a management dilemma in RLS patients on dopaminergic therapy. Understanding the clinical characteristics of such patients may assist in better management strategies.
 
 
 
 Consecutive new consultations for RLS from 4/2016-6/2020 were identified from a single tertiary referral center in Boston, USA. Patients were included in this analysis if they had augmentation and current treatment with a dopamine agonist. Clinical information from initial consultation was collected. RLS severity at time of consultation was determined retrospectively with a modified IRLSSG severity score (0–12), assessing RLS symptom frequency (0–4), duration (0–4), and severity (0–4).
 
 
 
 Out of 209 referrals with RLS, 105 patients had augmentation, of whom 88 were on dopamine agonists at initial evaluation. Average age was 67 years (SD 11 years, range 39–88); 62 were female (59%). Mean duration of RLS symptoms was 27 years (SD 20), and 91% had symptoms > 10 years. Mean duration of dopamine agonist therapy was 11 years; 72% had previously been treated with pramipexole, 65% with ropinirole, 73% with rotigotine, and 16% with levodopa; 72% of patients had been treated with alpha-2-delta ligands, and 28% with opioids. Common comorbidities included obstructive sleep apnea (47%), obesity (49%), and depression (44%). Serotonergic medications were currently used by 25%. Of the 88 augmented patients on dopamine agonist therapy, 97% had earlier onset of symptoms and 33% had symptoms in both morning and afternoon; 53% reported anatomical extension. The mean modified IRLSSG score was 8.4 (SD 3.2). 66% of patients had either ferritin <75 mcg/L or transferrin saturation <20%. At the time of initial assessment, 49% were on pramipexole, 47% on rotigotine, 5% on rotigotine and 7% on levodopa: mean daily dopamine agonist dose was 1.23 mg (SD 1.20) of pramipexole equivalent. 37% were on alpha-2-delta ligands: mean daily dose 1014 mg (SD 830, median 700 mg) of gabapentin equivalent.
 
 
 
 Higher than FDA-recommended dopamine agonist dosing and high prevalence of iron deficiency in patients with augmented RLS represent a treatment gap in the care of RLS patients in the community. Controlled studies of guideline-based therapy are indicated to determine optimal management of augmented RLS.
 
 
 
 Baszucki Brain Research Fund
