Impact of Pemphigus on Sleep Quality: A Prospective Observational Single-Center Case-Control Study.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Autoimmunology
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Pemphigus is an autoimmune blistering disease that significantly impairs patients' quality of life.
• Limited research exists on the specific impact of pemphigus on sleep quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and analyze sleep quality in patients diagnosed with pemphigus.
• To identify factors associated with sleep disturbances in this population.

Main Methods:

• 156 participants (52 pemphigus patients, 104 controls) completed sleep (PSQI), psychological distress (GHQ-12), and quality of life (ABQOL) questionnaires.
• Disease severity was assessed using the Pemphigus Disease Area Index (PDAI).

Main Results:

• Pemphigus patients reported significantly poorer sleep quality (global PSQI score) and higher psychological distress (GHQ-12) than controls.
• Higher disease severity (PDAI) correlated with increased sleep disturbances, latency, and poorer global sleep quality.
• Cutaneous pemphigus manifestations were associated with reduced sleep quality compared to mucosal forms; steroid dosage correlated with sleep disturbances.

Conclusions:

• Pemphigus significantly disrupts sleep quality, contributing to psychological distress.
• Addressing sleep disturbances is crucial for comprehensive pemphigus patient management.
• Disease activity and type (cutaneous vs. mucosal) influence sleep quality in pemphigus patients.