Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0240066 (iron deficiency)
 7,156 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The idea that the human body probably produces a substance similar to caffeine came to my mind after reviewing the literature on the "restless legs syndrome". This syndrome is a disorder in which the afflicted individual feels an irresistible urge to move the legs, generally when sitting or lying down, and especially in bed, at night, just prior to getting to sleep. The patient has an extremely unpleasant deep discomfort inside the calves, requiring that the legs be moved(1). The "restless legs syndrome" has been described in persons who consume a lot of caffeine(2,3), in patients with iron deficiency anemia(4), and in patients with chronic renal failure(5). Since this syndrome occurs in persons who indulge in caffeine consumption as well as in patients with iron deficiency and patients with chronic renal failure, it is tempting to postulate that the human body- in cases of iron deficiency and chronic renal failure -produces a substance similar to caffeine. The following discussion entertains the hypothetical route that might be involved in the formation of this substance.
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PMID:Does the human body produce a substance similar to caffeine? 368 45

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common disorder that often is underdiagnosed and undertreated. Patients with RLS describe an urge to move their legs, especially in the evenings and during periods of inactivity. The prevalence of clinically significant RLS is approximately 2% to 3% in adults in Europe and North America. RLS can be an independent disorder or may occur in conjunction with other conditions (eg, iron deficiency, pregnancy, chronic renal failure). Diagnosis is based on clinical history. Routine polysomnography typically is not recommended unless there is suspicion of other sleep disorders (eg, obstructive sleep apnea). Management includes a combination of supportive measures, dopaminergic drugs, gabapentinoids, opioids, or benzodiazepines. Good sleep hygiene can help prevent development of insomnia related to RLS. Avoiding alcohol and reducing caffeine intake is recommended. If iron stores are low, iron supplementation may improve symptoms. The main pharmacologic options for RLS management are dopaminergic agonists (eg, pramipexole and ropinirole); gabapentinoids also are good options. Patients may experience augmentation, an increase in RLS symptom severity with increasing drug dosage, which is the main complication of dopaminergic drugs. There is no evidence to support use of vibratory devices that provide stimulation to the lower extremities.
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PMID:Sleep Disorders: Restless Legs Syndrome. 2884 59