Characteristics Of Patients With Rem Sleep Without Atonia (Rswa)/Persistent Periodic Limb Movements Of Sleep (Plms) In Rem Sleep

Abstract Introduction While RSWA in REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is associated with male sex, age > 50 years, alpha-synucleinopathies, and narcolepsy, the characteristics of patients with RSWA/PLMS in REM sleep (RSWA/PLMS-REM) without dream enactment behaviors are unexplored. The aim of this study was to compare the demographics, comorbidities and concomitant medication use between RSWA/PLMS-REM patients and non-RSWA/non-PLMS-REM controls. Based on anecdotal clinical observations we hypothesized that these patients are more commonly young, women, have psychiatric or neurological diseases, and use antidepressants. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of the Mayo Clinic electronic medical record to identify all patients with RSWA/ PLMS-REM between November 2018 and November 2020. After excluding all patients with RBD, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy and RSWA/non-PLMS-REM we identified 27 patients. All PSGs were reviewed to calculate the periodic limb movement index per hour of REM sleep (REM-PLMI). We also identified a covenience sample of 15 non-RSWA controls, reviewed their PSGs and calculated REM-PLMI. Results The mean REM-PLMI of patients with RSWA was 64+/-8.3 (SEM)/hour versus 1+/-0.6 (SEM)/hours in non-RSWA controls (p< 0.001). Patients with RSWA/PLMS-REM and non-RSWA controls had similar age and gender, 62 +/- 3 (SEM) versus 58 +/-3 (SEM) years and 81% versus 87% men, respectively. However psychiatric diagnosis, neurological disorders and antidepressants use was more common among RSWA/PLMS-REM patients compared to non-RSWA controls, p=0.0002, p=0.0035 and p=0.0074, respectively. (Fisher’s Exact Test) Conclusion Psychiatric diagnosis, neurological disorders and antidepressant use are more common among RSWA/PLM-REM patients compared to non-RSWA controls. Further research to determine the implications of a diagnosis of RSWA/PLMS-REM for the future development of alpha-synucleinopathies are needed and currently ongoing. Support (if any):