SynthesisSleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung2026
Periodic limb movements in sleep and stroke risk: A systematic review and Meta-Analysis.
Synthesis in Sleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
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Who cites it
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Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
3 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundPeriodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) have been associated with cardiovascular morbidity, but their relationship with stroke remains incompletely understood. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the association between PLMS and stroke risk.
methodsWe systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases through March 2025 for observational studies and clinical trials examining PLMS and stroke. Two independent investigators selected studies, extracted data, and assessed quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Risk ratios were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis with the generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird.
resultsSix observational studies comprising 6,557 patients met inclusion criteria. Only two studies employed prospective designs capable of establishing temporality between PLMS and stroke occurrence. Diagnostic methods varied substantially across studies, with PLMS thresholds ranging from > 5/h to > 30/h, and stroke definitions ranging from imaging-confirmed to self-reported events. Meta-analysis revealed that PLMS was associated with increased stroke risk (pooled risk ratio 1.88; 95% CI, 1.00-3.52; P = 0.05), though with substantial heterogeneity (I²=88%). Analysis restricted to prospective studies showed similar associations (RR 2.31; 95% CI, 1.12–4.77; P = 0.02; I²=85%). Egger’s test suggested potential publication bias (P = 0.04).
conclusionsOur analysis suggests a possible association between PLMS and stroke risk, but substantial methodological heterogeneity, limited prospective evidence, and potential publication bias severely limit causal inferences. Current evidence does not support routine PLMS screening for stroke prevention. Well-designed prospective studies with standardized PLMS definitions and adequate confounder adjustment are needed to clarify this relationship.
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Registered trials
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