Incidence of ischemic stroke in patients with periodic limb movements in sleep: one-year follow-up

Objective. To assess the influence of periodic limb movements in sleep on the incidence of acute cardiovascular events. 
Design and methods. Fifty-six participants aged 60–75 years were included in the study. Eligibility criteria included no history of acute cardiovascular events and the presence of 1 or more risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Nocturnal actigraphy and cardiorespiratory monitoring were performed. Patients with apnea/hypopnea index > 5/h were excluded (n = 6). Based on periodic limb movements index (PLMI) two groups were formed: main (PLMI ≥ 15/h, n = 26) and controls (PLMI < 15/h, n = 24). The groups were prospectively observed during 1 year. The endpoints of the study were cases of acute cardiovascular events. 
Results. Despite the similar prevalence of common risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in two groups, the patients with PLMI ≥ 15/h have a higher incidence of ischemic stroke within 1 year (odds ratio 1,07). 
Conclusions. Elevated PLMI might be regarded as a potential predictor for higher risk for ischemic stroke. Nevertheless, further investigations in the field are needed.

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