Dopa responsive irritable bowel syndrome: restless bowel syndrome or a gastrointestinal variant of restless legs syndrome?

Abstract

In addition to the legs, restless legs syndrome (RLS) affects various other parts of the body, including the arms, abdomen, face, head-neck, oral cavity, genital area and bladder. RLS is also associated with several comorbid conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We are reporting two cases of RLS who also had IBS, fulfilling the Rome IV criteria. The administration of levodopa and dopamine agonists provided a complete improvement in both IBS and RLS. Review of the literature suggest that the clinical semiology and clinical pattern of IBS (urge to defaecate, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, bloating, disturbed sleep and circadian rhythm) simulate the semiology and pattern of RLS. Similarities are also noted in the associated comorbid conditions, effective drugs and proposed hypotheses for both clinical syndromes. We hypothesise that RLS may affect intestine, and IBS-like symptoms in a subset of patients with RLS may be the part of RLS symptoms complex.

• Authors: Sanjay Prakash, Anurag Prakash
• Journal: BMJ case reports (BMJ Case Rep) Vol. 14 Issue 3 (Mar 24 2021) ISSN: 1757-790X [Electronic] England
• PMID: 33762285 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Case Reports)
• Copyright: © BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2021. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

Chemical References

• Dopamine Agonists

Topics

• Dopamine Agonists
• Humans
• Intestines
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (complications, drug therapy)
• Leg
• Restless Legs Syndrome (drug therapy)