Genetics of restless legs syndrome: Evidence for a hereditary disorder

Abstract

Genes are likely to play a significant part in a large proportion of the restless legs syndrome (RLS) population. This idea has been supported by multiple lines of evidence from various clinical, twin, genetic association, and linkage analysis studies. Based on current information, it appears that familial RLS tends to have an earlier age of onset than sporadic cases, although the clinical characteristics of the two groups are quite similar. Five genetic loci have been mapped and independent confirmation has been reported for some of them. Further confirmation of existing RLS loci in different ethnic groups would help prioritize and promote efforts to identify potential causative genes. 2007 Steinkopff-Verlag.