Obstructive sleep apnea in psoriatic arthritis: A polysomnography-based Evaluation

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Sleep Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent global condition with a significant impact on health.
• The prevalence of OSA in patients diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is not well-established.
• Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting joints and skin.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the point-prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
• To explore potential associations between OSA and PsA disease activity.
• To identify predictors of OSA in the PsA population.

Main Methods:

• Polysomnography (PSG), the gold standard for OSA diagnosis, was used.
• Diagnosis of OSA followed American Academy of Sleep (AASM) guidelines.
• PsA disease activity was assessed using the Disease Activity index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) and Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI).

Main Results:

• The point-prevalence of OSA among 42 PsA patients was 50%, with 36% having moderate-to-severe OSA.
• No significant association was found between OSA and PsA disease activity (DAPSA or HAQ-DI).
• Older age (OR=1.17) and a trend for greater BMI (OR=1.23) predicted OSA in PsA patients.

Conclusions:

• Patients with psoriatic arthritis exhibit a high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea.
• OSA in PsA patients appears independent of disease activity.
• Older age and higher BMI are significant predictors for OSA in this population.