Evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in sarcoidosis patients: a clinical and polysomnographic analysis

While some studies suggest an elevated risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in sarcoidosis, comprehensive research remains limited. This study aims to assess the prevalence of OSA among sarcoidosis patients, compare its occurrence with the general population, and evaluate the clinical and polysomnographic features of sarcoidosis patients diagnosed with OSA.

This prospective observational study identified 150 out of 290 sarcoidosis-diagnosed patients with OSA symptoms. Of these, 52 underwent polysomnography (PSG), and 45 patients with an Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) ≥ 5 events/hour were included. The control group consisted of 48 OSA patients without lung disease history who had previously undergone PSG. Demographic, anthropometric, clinical, and polysomnographic parameters were compared between groups. Respiratory function test results and pulmonary involvement were also analyzed for sarcoidosis patients.

Ninety-three patients (45 sarcoidosis, 48 controls) were included. Sarcoidosis patients had a mean age of 50.7 ± 9.5 years, with 68.8% female and 55.5% obese. Pulmonary involvement was observed in 20%, and 62.5% of actively treated patients received corticosteroids. The median AHI and ODI values for sarcoidosis patients were 17.9 and 13.5, respectively. Supine apnea count was significantly higher in sarcoidosis patients (p = 0.003). N3 sleep stage proportion was significantly lower in severe OSA (p = 0.006). Pulmonary involvement increased with OSA severity: 2.2% in mild, 6.6% in moderate, and 11.1% in severe cases.

OSA is a common comorbidity in sarcoidosis; warranting further investigation to optimize management in this population.