Which laboratory finding is likely to correlate with restless leg syndrome in a female patient?

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is often associated with iron deficiency, which can lead to or exacerbate symptoms. In particular, low serum ferritin levels are significant because ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body. A low serum ferritin level indicates a reduced iron storage capacity, which is frequently observed in patients with RLS.

Iron plays a crucial role in dopamine metabolism, which is essential for regulating movement and is believed to be involved in the pathophysiology of RLS. Thus, in female patients, especially those who may have higher risks for iron deficiency (such as those with heavy menstrual bleeding or dietary insufficiencies), a low serum ferritin level is a key finding that could correlate with the syndrome.

This relationship underscores the importance of evaluating iron status in patients presenting with symptoms of restless leg syndrome, as addressing iron deficiency can often alleviate symptoms.