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Sleep apnea in sarcoidosis
G A Turner1, E E Lower, B C Corser
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
Summary
Sleep apnea is more common in sarcoidosis patients. Lupus pernio is a key risk factor for sleep apnea in those with sarcoidosis.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Sleep Medicine
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Sleep apnea affects 2-4% of the general population.
- Sarcoidosis patients have an elevated risk of sleep apnea due to potential factors like steroid use, neurosarcoidosis, and upper airway obstruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and identify risk factors for sleep apnea in patients diagnosed with sarcoidosis.
- To compare sleep apnea rates in sarcoidosis patients against a general pulmonary clinic control group.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-three consecutive sarcoidosis patients and 91 controls were screened using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.
- Data collected included demographics, medications, and presence of neurosarcoidosis, lupus pernio, and sinus disease.
- Patients with positive screening questionnaires were referred for polysomnography (sleep studies).
Main Results:
- Sleep apnea was diagnosed in 17% of sarcoidosis patients, significantly higher than the 3% in the control group (p < 0.001).
- Lupus pernio was found to be significantly more prevalent in sarcoidosis patients with sleep apnea.
- While 10% of female sarcoidosis patients had sleep apnea, the condition was more frequent overall in males.
Conclusions:
- Sleep apnea is a frequent comorbidity in patients with sarcoidosis.
- Lupus pernio is identified as a significant risk factor associated with sleep apnea in this population.