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Published on: December 6, 2016
Obstructive sleep apnea in patients with inflammatory myopathies
Albert Selva-O'Callaghan1, Gabriel Sampol, Odile Romero
1Internal Medicine Department, Vall D'Hebron General Hospital, Universitat Autonoma Barcelona, C/Siracusa No. 12 Bis A, Barcelona, Spain. aselva@vhebron.net
Muscle & Nerve
|January 16, 2009
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea is common in inflammatory myopathy patients, with 87% showing an apnea-hypopnea index >5. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy improved symptoms for some, suggesting a link to fatigue.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pulmonology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Inflammatory myopathy is a group of rare autoimmune diseases affecting muscles.
- Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom in patients with inflammatory myopathy.
- The relationship between inflammatory myopathy and sleep disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea, is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adult patients diagnosed with inflammatory myopathy.
- To explore potential associations between sleep parameters and clinical/immunological factors in this patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- An observational, prospective study included 16 adult patients with inflammatory myopathy.
- Patients underwent the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and complete polysomnography.
- Disease activity and severity were assessed using MDAAT and MDI, respectively; autoantibody profiles were determined.
Main Results:
- A high frequency of obstructive sleep apnea was observed, with 87% of patients having an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) >5 (mean AHI: 28.7).
- Snoring was reported by 68% of patients, and 19% experienced excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS >10).
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy was tolerated well by 4 out of 7 patients, leading to improved sleepiness and quality.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea is significantly high in adult patients with inflammatory myopathy.
- OSA may contribute to persistent fatigue experienced by these patients, warranting further investigation.
- No significant associations were found between AHI and clinical, immunological, or disease severity parameters.
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