Obstructive sleep apnea and the risk of autoimmune diseases: A longitudinal population-based study

The causal relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and rheumatic disease: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

Background and Objective

Multiple studies have shown a substantial association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and rheumatic disease. However, traditional studies are susceptible to confounding factors or reverse causal relationships, and the exact causal relationship still needs to be clearly defined. This study aims to use a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the causal association between OSA and rheumatoid immune diseases.

Methods

We conducted a two-sample bidirectional MR analysis by using large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics to investigate whether there is a causal relationship between OSA and rheumatic disease. Inverse variance weighted (IVW) was used as the primary analysis approach, supplemented by MR-Egger and Weighted median methods. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to ensure the robustness of the results.

Results

The MR predicted ankylosing spondylitis (AS) was associated with risk of OSA (IVW: OR = 1.0239, 95% CI = 1.0086 to 1.0394, P = 0.0021; MR-Egger: OR = 1.0374, 95% CI = 1.0089 to 1.0668, P = 0.0326; weighted median: OR = 1.0287, 95% CI = 1.0109 to 1.0467, P = 0.0014). However, no bidirectional causal association was found between other rheumatic disease and OSA. The sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the results.

Conclusions

Our analysis suggests a potential causal relationship between AS and OSA. There was no direct causal relationship between OSA and other rheumatic disease. We need more experimental research on specific pathological and physiological mechanisms in the future.

Sleep Disorders in Connective Tissue Diseases-Coexisting Diseases or Disease Components?

This comprehensive review examines the complex relationship between sleep disorders and rheumatic diseases, supported by findings from the latest research articles. It encompasses various rheumatic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis. The review reveals the bidirectional relationship between sleep disorders and these diseases, emphasizing their impact on disease progression and quality of life. Conventional and alternative therapeutic interventions for connective tissue diseases are presented, focusing on improving sleep quality and alleviating rheumatic symptoms. The role of pro-inflammatory cytokines and their potential modulation through pharmacological agents is also discussed. In the treatment of sleep disorders, various options are proposed, such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, physical activity, dietary modifications, and alternative approaches like reflexology and acupuncture. Thus, this review offers a nuanced understanding of the connection between sleep disorders and rheumatic diseases, supported by evidence from diverse studies. Such an approach is particularly important because it enhances sleep quality for overall patient well-being in the holistic management of rheumatic conditions.

Association of Sleep Deprivation and the Risk of Developing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Among Women

OBJECTIVE

Sleep deprivation has been associated with risk of autoimmune diseases. Using the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) (1986-2016) and NHSII (1989-2017) cohorts, we aimed in the present study to investigate whether sleep deprivation was associated with risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

Average sleep duration in a 24-hour period was reported in the NHS (1986-2014) and NHSII (1989-2009). Lifestyle, exposure, and medical information was collected on biennial questionnaires. Adjusted Cox regression analyses modeled associations between cumulative average sleep duration (categorical variables) and incident SLE. Interactions between sleep duration and shiftwork, bodily pain (using the Short Form 36 [SF-36] questionnaire), and depression were examined.

RESULTS

We included 186,072 women with 187 incident SLE cases during 4,246,094 person-years of follow-up. Chronic low sleep duration (≤5 hours/night versus reference >7-8 hours) was associated with increased SLE risk (adjusted hazard ratio [HRadj ] 2.47 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.29, 4.75]), which persisted after the analysis was lagged (4 years; HRadj 3.14 [95% CI 1.57, 6.29]) and adjusted for shiftwork, bodily pain, and depression (HRadj 2.13 [95% CI 1.11, 4.10]). We detected additive interactions between low sleep duration and high bodily pain (SF-36 score <75) with an attributable proportion (AP) of 64% (95% CI 40%, 87%) and an HR for SLE of 2.97 (95% CI 1.86, 4.75) for those with both risk factors compared to those with neither. Similarly, there was an interaction between low sleep duration and depression, with an AP of 68% (95% CI 49%, 88%) and an HR for SLE of 2.82 (95% CI 1.64, 4.85).

CONCLUSION

Chronic low sleep duration was associated with higher SLE risk, with stronger effects among those with bodily pain and depression, highlighting the potential role of adequate sleep in disease prevention.

Systemic Lupus Erythematous and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Possible Association

Marked fatigue is common in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to assess the association of sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), with SLE. Forty-two consecutive patients with SLE and 20 healthy controls were recruited and underwent a one-night ambulatory sleep examination. They completed questionnaires, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT). SLE disease activity and damage were assessed by the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (SLICC/ACR) damage index (SDI). A significantly increased apnea/hypopnea index was noted in the SLE group compared to healthy controls (p = 0.004). SLE patients had higher rates of moderate-to-severe OSA (p = 0.04), PSQI (p = 0.001), and FACIT scores (p = 0.0008). Multivariate analysis revealed that the SDI was associated with OSA (p = 0.03). There was a positive association between SLEDAI-2K and moderate-to-severe OSA (p = 0.03). Patients with SLE had an increased prevalence of OSA and poorer quality of sleep compared to healthy controls. Our findings suggest that active disease and accumulated damage may be associated with OSA. These findings highlight the importance of identifying the presence of OSA in patients with SLE.

BDNF and proBDNF Serum Protein Levels in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients and Their Involvement in Insomnia and Depression Symptoms

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder that, apart from somatic sequelae, increases the risk of developing psychiatric conditions. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway is involved in the pathophysiology of depression and insomnia. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate differences in concentrations of BDNF and proBDNF in patients with OSA and healthy individuals, to evaluate diurnal changes of these proteins, and to assess the correlations with psychiatric symptoms. Methods: Sixty individuals following polysomnography (PSG) were divided into two groups based on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI): OSA patients (AHI ≥ 30; n = 30) and control group (AHI < 5; n = 30). Participants filled out questionnaires: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Peripheral blood was collected before and after PSG. Protein concentrations were measured using ELISA. OSA group was divided into subgroups: AIS (−)/AIS (+) (AIS > 5), PSQI (−)/PSQI (+) (PSQI > 5), and BDI (−)/BDI (+) (BDI > 19). Results: No differences in BDNF and proBDNF protein levels were observed between OSA and the control groups. However, BDNF and proBDNF evening protein concentrations were higher in the AIS (+) and PSQI (+) groups (p < 0.001 for all). The BDI (+) group was characterized by lower morning levels of both proteins (p = 0.047 and p = 0.003, respectively). Conclusions: BDNF signaling pathway might be involved in the pathophysiology of depression and insomnia in patients with OSA. BDNF and proBDNF protein levels might be useful in defining OSA phenotypes.

Evaluation of HIF-1 Involvement in the BDNF and ProBDNF Signaling Pathways among Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a chronic condition characterized by intermittent hypoxia associated with multiple comorbidities, including psychiatric disorders, such as depression, insomnia, and cognitive impairment. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and proBDNF singling pathways have been shown to be involved in this group of diseases. Furthermore, their expression might be affected by hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), which is an oxygen sensitive transcription factor due to its alpha subunit. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between HIF-1α, BDNF, and proBDNF protein levels among OSA patients. This study included 40 individuals who underwent polysomnography (PSG) and were divided into the OSA group (n = 20; AHI ≥ 30) and healthy control (n = 20; AHI < 5) based on the apnea−hypopnea index (AHI). All participants had their peripheral blood collected in the evening before and the morning after the PSG. BDNF, proBDNF, and HIF-1α protein concertation measurements were performed using ELISA. No differences were found in BDNF, proBDNF, and HIF-1α protein levels between OSA and the control group, both in the evening and in the morning. In the OSA group, i.e., the linear regression model, the morning BDNF protein level was predicted by age (ß = −0.389, p = 0.023) and the mean SpO2 of desaturations during sleep (ß = −0.577, p = 0.002). This model accounted for 63.3% of the variability in the morning BDNF protein level (F = 14.639, p < 0.001). The morning proBDNF protein level was predicted by age (ß = −0.395, p = 0.033) and HIF-1α morning protein level (ß = −3.192, p = 0.005). This model accounted for 52.4% of the variability in the morning BDNF protein level (F = 9.355, p = 0.002). The obtained results suggest that the HIF-1 transcription factor might be involved in the pathway activated by proBDNF, which may have protective properties from hypoxia in OSA patients.

Sleep deprivation and immunoglobulin E level

Objectives

Sleep deprivation is a common issue for modern people and leads to many morbidities and mortality. Some papers also suspected the relationship between Immunoglobulin E (IgE) level and sleep deprivation. The purpose of this article is to make the vicious circle between serum IgE level and sleep deprivation clear.

Materials and methods

In this study, we included 4,460 population aged around 48 years old respective 2,145 males and 2,315 females enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Sleep durations were recorded, in hours, in whole numbers by the participants. The levels of total IgE were measured by anti-IgE. All procedures were analyzed using SPSS version 18 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Result

The statistical significance between higher IgE level and ≤5 h sleep duration was noted (Beta coefficients: 64.04, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.35, 125.72, P = 0.042). In sex difference, the correlation between short sleep duration and high serum IgE levels was noted in male [Beta coefficients: 120.225 (P = 0.008)] but not in female. There were no positive findings in the ethnicity-based correlation between serum IgE levels and sleep duration.

Conclusion

This study indicated that short sleep duration (≤5 h) is associated with higher serum IgE levels, especially in men. Further longitudinal investigations concerning the effect of sleep deprivation on serum IgE might provide a better explanation for the pathophysiology underlying autoimmune disease and sleep deprivation.

The Burden of Respiratory Alterations during Sleep on Comorbidities in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) has an important impact on the risk of morbidity and mortality, so we have designed the present study to understand which factor is most involved in the risk of developing a comorbidity between OSA severity and nocturnal hypoxemia.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on 617 adult subjects who were referred to our unit for a suspicion of OSA between January 2018 and January 2020.

RESULTS

Sleep investigations performed by participants (72% male and obese in 70% of cases) reported an overall mean apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) of 44.0 ± 24.8 events·h-1. Overall, 66% were classified as severe OSA and 76% experienced nocturnal hypoxemia. By analysing the burden of OSA severity and nocturnal hypoxemia on the comorbidities risk, multivariate analysis highlighted the predominant role of age and obesity. Accordingly, after the exclusion of the older and obese participants from the analyses, we noticed that severe OSA was related to the risk of hypertension (odds ratio (OR) = 3.0 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-6.2], p = 0.004) as well as nocturnal hypoxemia (OR = 2.6 [95% CI 1.2-5.4], p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The study seems to suggest that in young, non-obese subjects, OSA is a predisposing factor for the risk of developing hypertension.

Treatment of axial spondyloarthritis: an update

Diagnosis and management of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) has vastly improved over the past two decades. With advances in the discernment of immunopathogenesis of this disease, new therapies have become available, which are associated with substantial improvement in symptoms, signs and quality of life. The four broad categories of approved treatment options are physical therapy and exercise (which have been known to be beneficial for millennia), NSAIDs (since the 1950s), TNF inhibitors (first FDA approval in 2003) and IL-17 inhibitors (first FDA approval in 2016). In addition, there have been a host of new developments in the axSpA field, including new treatment guidelines, the FDA approval of three biologic DMARDs to treat non-radiographic axSpA, the FDA and EMA approval of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors for ankylosing spondylitis, new data on the effect of biologic DMARDs on structural progression in ankylosing spondylitis, strategy trials on tapering or stopping TNF inhibitors in patients in remission, trials of treat-to-target strategy in axSpA, and several new molecules in phase III studies. This Review explores the developments in the management of axSpA.

Sleep Problems in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: Prevalence, Treatment, and New Perspectives: A Narrative Review

Epidemiological studies have shown that individuals with sleep problems are at a greater risk of developing immune and chronic inflammatory diseases. As sleep disorders and low sleep quality in the general population are frequent ailments, it seems important to recognize them as serious public health problems. The exact relation between immunity and sleep remains elusive; however, it might be suspected that it is shaped by others stress and alterations of the circadian rhythm (commonly caused by for example shift work). As studies show, drugs used in the therapy of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as steroids or monoclonal antibodies, also influence sleep in more complex ways than those resulting from attenuation of the disease symptoms. Interestingly, the relation between sleep and immunity appears to be bidirectional; that is, sleep may influence the course of immune diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease. Thus, proper diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders are vital to the patient's immune status and, in effect, health. This review examines the epidemiology of sleep disorders and immune diseases, the associations between them, and their current treatment and novel perspectives in therapy.

Etiology and Risk Factors for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A State-of-the-Art Review

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common systemic inflammatory rheumatic disease. It is associated with significant burden at the patient and societal level. Extensive efforts have been devoted to identifying a potential cause for the development of RA. Epidemiological studies have thoroughly investigated the association of several factors with the risk and course of RA. Although a precise etiology remains elusive, the current understanding is that RA is a multifactorial disease, wherein complex interactions between host and environmental factors determine the overall risk of disease susceptibility, persistence and severity. Risk factors related to the host that have been associated with RA development may be divided into genetic; epigenetic; hormonal, reproductive and neuroendocrine; and comorbid host factors. In turn, environmental risk factors include smoking and other airborne exposures; microbiota and infectious agents; diet; and socioeconomic factors. In the present narrative review, aimed at clinicians and researchers in the field of RA, we provide a state-of-the-art overview of the current knowledge on this topic, focusing on recent progresses that have improved our comprehension of disease risk and development.

Mapping the serum proteome to neurological diseases using whole genome sequencing

Despite the increasing global burden of neurological disorders, there is a lack of effective diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers. Proteins are often dysregulated in disease and have a strong genetic component. Here, we carry out a protein quantitative trait locus analysis of 184 neurologically-relevant proteins, using whole genome sequencing data from two isolated population-based cohorts (N = 2893). In doing so, we elucidate the genetic landscape of the circulating proteome and its connection to neurological disorders. We detect 214 independently-associated variants for 107 proteins, the majority of which (76%) are cis-acting, including 114 variants that have not been previously identified. Using two-sample Mendelian randomisation, we identify causal associations between serum CD33 and Alzheimer's disease, GPNMB and Parkinson's disease, and MSR1 and schizophrenia, describing their clinical potential and highlighting drug repurposing opportunities.

Airways therapy of obstructive sleep apnea dramatically improves aberrant levels of soluble cytokines involved in autoimmune disease

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) damages the health of 35% of adult Americans. Disordered sleep results in increased risk of several autoimmune disorders, but the molecular links to autoimmunity are poorly understood. Herein, we identified four cytokines associated with autoimmune disease, whose median serum levels were significantly different for OSA patients receiving airways therapy, from the levels in untreated OSA patients, APRIL (5.2-fold lower, p = 3.5 × 10^-11), CD30 (1.6-fold higher, p = 7.7 × 10^-5), IFN-Alpha-2 (2.9-fold higher, p = 9.6 × 10^-14) and IL-2 (1.9-fold higher, p = 0.0003). Cytokine levels in airways treated patients were similar to the levels in control subjects. t-SNE and UMAP analysis of these high dimensional patient cytokine data identified only two groups, suggesting a similar global response for all four cytokines to airways therapy. Our findings suggest the levels of these four cytokines may be altered by disordered sleep and perhaps by chronic hypoxia. Therapeutic options are discussed.

Bidirectional association between alopecia areata and sleep disorders: a population-based cohort study in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

The relationship between alopecia areata (AA) and sleep disorders remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the bidirectional association between AA and sleep disorders.

METHODS

To assess the risk of developing sleep disorders, we recruited 5648 patients with AA and 22,592 matched controls from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan. Similarly, risk of developing AA was assessed in 93,130 patients with sleep disorders (including 7310 patients with obstructive sleep apnea [OSA] and 85,820 patients with non-apnea insomnia) and 372,520 matched controls. Cox regression model was used for the analysis.

RESULTS

AA patients had a significantly increased risk of developing OSA (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 3.80; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.53-5.71) and non-apnea insomnia (aHR 4.20; 95% CI 3.68-4.79). Conversely, presence of sleep disorders significantly increased the risk of AA development (aHR 4.70; 95% CI 3.99-5.54). Both OSA (aHR 3.89; 95% CI 2.46-6.16) and nonapnea insomnia (aHR 4.77; 95% CI 4.03-5.64) were associated an increased risk of developing AA.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with AA have a higher risk of developing sleep disorders compared to controls, and vice versa. Further studies are needed to investigate the shared pathogenic mechanism underlying these two conditions.

Sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome caused by ankylosing spondylitis: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) is a multifactorial disease characterized by recurrent hypopnea or respiratory interruption during sleep, which causes intermittent hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and sleep structure disturbances. An association between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and the type of SAHS has rarely been reported in the literature. Here, we present a case of SAHS in a patient with AS and discuss the possible mechanism underlying the type of SAHS.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 46-year-old man presented with a 15-year history of AS. He had been receiving sulfasalazine for symptomatic relief and had never been on immunosuppressive therapy.

DIAGNOSIS

The patient was diagnosed with SAHS in addition to AS.

INTERVENTIONS

We instituted treatment with methylprednisolone (5 mg, oral, daily), leflumomide (20 mg, oral, daily), bicyclol tablets (25 mg, oral, 3 times a day), and ursodeoxycholic acid tablets (10 mg/kg, oral, daily). The patient received etanercept (50 mg, sc, once a week) as his condition deteriorated. In addition, for management of SAHS symptoms, the patient received nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) during sleep.

OUTCOMES

Six months after commencement of the treatment, the clinical manifestations of SAHS and AS had significantly improved.

CONCLUSIONS

We hypothesize that patients with AS are prone to sleep apnea due to airway compression, central depression of respiration, abnormal inflammatory responses. Hence, careful assessment toward potential SAHS symptoms should be considered especially in patients with AS.

The novel indicators of moderate to severe sleep apnea: fibrinogen to albumin ratio vs. CRP to albumin ratio

PURPOSE

This study aimed at investigating the association of severity of obstructive sleep apnea with the markers of inflammation as fibrinogen to albumin ratio and C-reactive protein to albumin ratio.

METHODS

We included 126 patients admitted to sleep disorders outpatient clinic. We constituted four groups by reference to the apnea-hypopnea index (mild-moderate-severe sleep apnea and control group). We investigated the difference of white blood cell, fibrinogen to albumin ratio, C-reactive protein to albumin ratio, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, and hemoglobin among the groups.

RESULTS

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, and hemoglobin did not significantly differ among four groups (p = 0.39, p = 0.06, and p = 0.31, respectively). A significant difference of fibrinogen to albumin ratio and C-reactive protein to albumin ratio was evident among four groups (p < 0.001). Fibrinogen to albumin ratio and C-reactive protein to albumin ratio did not significantly differ between the mild sleep apnea and control groups (p = 0.65, and p = 0.85, respectively), but were significantly greater in moderate sleep apnea group compared with the control group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Also, fibrinogen to albumin ratio and C-reactive protein to albumin ratio were significantly greater in the severe sleep apnea group compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Fibrinogen to albumin ratio and C-reactive protein to albumin ratio did not significantly differ between the severe sleep apnea and moderate sleep apnea groups (p = 0.49, and p = 0.58, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Higher fibrinogen to albumin ratio and C-reactive protein to albumin ratio may be predictive of inflammation in patients with moderate-to-severe sleep apnea.

Risk of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with Sjögren syndrome and Behçet's disease: a nationwide, population-based cohort study

PURPOSE

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have a higher risk of Behçet's disease (BD) and Sjögren syndrome (SS). However, the bidirectional relationship between these autoimmune diseases and OSA is unclear. We investigated the relationship between autoimmune diseases (SS and BD) and OSA.

METHODS

SS and BD patients were identified through the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database from 2002 to 2012. Patients with SS or BD were matched according to age and sex with a control group in a ratio of 1:4. The study included 12,926 patients with SS and 51,704 non-SS controls. Similarly, 1221 patients with BD were matched with 4884 non-BD controls. We used a Cox regression model, stratified by age, gender, and comorbidities, to assess the risk of OSA.

RESULTS

OSA was diagnosed in 0.61% of the SS cohort and 1.23% of the BD cohort. The higher overall risk for OSA was observed significantly in patients with SS than in controls (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 2.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.89-3.24). The higher risk was also observed significantly in BD patients than in controls (HR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.06-3.72). Furthermore, men with SS or BD exhibited HR of 2.62 (95% CI 1.89 to 3.62) and 6.40 (95% CI 2.96 to 13.84) for developing OSA, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Risk of OSA was significantly elevated in SS or BD patients compared with controls. Further study is warranted to elucidate underlying mechanisms.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Is Associated With Risk of New-Onset Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study

Objectives: Investigating the risk of obstructive sleep apnea(OSA) among ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients based on administrative healthcare databases.

Methods: We conducted a nationwide cohort study by using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database with 1997–2013 claim records. The AS cohort included 2,210 patients who were newly diagnosed between 2003 and 2013. Randomly selected non-AS controls were matched at a 1:4 ratio. The endpoint was set as OSA occurrence or the end of 2013. Cumulative incidences, hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated after adjusting for age, gender, comorbidities, and co-medication. Multivariate analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazards model. Due to the violation of the proportionality assumption, landmark analysis was conducted to explore the risk of OSA during specific follow-up periods.

Results: The adjusted HR (aHR) of OSA in the AS group was 2.826 (95% C.I. = 1.727–4.625) compared to the control group. On landmark analysis, aHR was 7.919 (95% C.I. = 3.169–19.792) for the AS group 0–24 months from the index date and decreased to 1.816 (95% C.I. = 0.944–3.494) at ≥ 24 months from the index date. The increased risks of OSA in the AS group compared to the control group were found for both males and females (aHRs were 4.533 and 2.672). On age-stratified analysis, a significant risk only for the 40–59 age group with aHR of 3.913 (95% C.I. = 1.890–8.102).

Conclusions: A higher risk of developing OSA was found among newly diagnosed AS cohort during the maximum 11-year follow-up period, especially within 2 years after newly diagnosed AS and in the 40–59 age group.

Association between Sleep Duration and Subclinical Thyroid Dysfunction Based on Nationally Representative Data

Background: Sleep duration is an identified risk factor for adverse health outcomes. As the endocrine system is closely intertwined with sleep duration and quality, the association between endocrine dysfunction and sleep has been evaluated. Thyroid function, particularly that related to thyrotropin (TSH), is also known to be influenced by the sleep/awake status and circadian rhythm. Additionally, a link between sleep duration and autoimmunity, which is a common cause of thyroid dysfunction, has been suggested; however, depending on the sleep deprivation method used in studies, the effects of sleep on thyroid function vary. The relationship between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and sleep duration is poorly documented. Thus, to elucidate the impact of sleep on thyroid function, we investigated the association of subclinical thyroid dysfunction with sleep duration using representative data from the sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted from 2013 to 2015. Methods: In all, 4945 participants (2543 male and 2402 female) were included after excluding subjects using the following criteria: <19 years of age, free T4 level outside the normal range, history of thyroid disease, or incomplete data. The population was classified into three groups: short sleeper (<7 h/day), normal sleeper (7–8 h/day), and long sleeper (>8 h/day). The odds ratio (OR) for subclinical hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism according to sleep duration was evaluated. Results: The short, normal, and long sleeper groups consisted of 2097, 2514, and 334 subjects, respectively. On multiple logistic regression analysis, compared to normal sleepers, short sleepers showed a significantly increased risk of subclinical hyperthyroidism (OR 1.37, 95% confidential interval (CI) 1.02–1.84, p = 0.036), while the risk of subclinical hypothyroidism in short sleepers was not elevated. Comparing long sleepers to normal sleepers, the OR for subclinical hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism was 1.79 (95% CI 1.12–2.86, p = 0.015) and 1.91 (95% CI 1.03–3.53, p = 0.039), respectively. Conclusions: Both shorter and longer sleep durations were associated with an increase in the risk of subclinical thyroid dysfunction compared to the optimal sleep duration. This analysis of representative population data shows that sleep duration could intertwine with thyroid function resulting in increased risk of subclinical thyroid dysfunction.

Fatigue, Sleep, and Autoimmune and Related Disorders

Profound and debilitating fatigue is the most common complaint reported among individuals with autoimmune disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis. Fatigue is multi-faceted and broadly defined, which makes understanding the cause of its manifestations especially difficult in conditions with diverse pathology including autoimmune diseases. In general, fatigue is defined by debilitating periods of exhaustion that interfere with normal activities. The severity and duration of fatigue episodes vary, but fatigue can cause difficulty for even simple tasks like climbing stairs or crossing the room. The exact mechanisms of fatigue are not well-understood, perhaps due to its broad definition. Nevertheless, physiological processes known to play a role in fatigue include oxygen/nutrient supply, metabolism, mood, motivation, and sleepiness-all which are affected by inflammation. Additionally, an important contributing element to fatigue is the central nervous system-a region impacted either directly or indirectly in numerous autoimmune and related disorders. This review describes how inflammation and the central nervous system contribute to fatigue and suggests potential mechanisms involved in fatigue that are likely exhibited in autoimmune and related diseases.

Thoracic Manifestations of Ankylosing Spondylitis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Relapsing Polychondritis

Ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and relapsing polychondritis are immune-mediated inflammatory diseases with variable involvement of lungs, heart and the chest wall. Ankylosing spondylitis is associated with anterior chest wall pain, restrictive lung disease, obstructive sleep apnea, apical fibrosis, spontaneous pneumothorax, abnormalities of cardiac valves and conduction system, and aortitis. Patients with IBD can develop necrobiotic lung nodules that can be misdiagnosed as malignancy or infection. Relapsing polychondritis involves large airways in at least half of the patients. Relapsing polychondritis can mimic asthma in some patients. Medications used to treat these inflammatory conditions can cause pulmonary complications such as infections, pneumonitis, and rarely serositis.

Less than 7 hours of sleep per night is associated with transitioning to systemic lupus erythematosus

Background The role of sleep in the etiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has not been well studied. We examined whether sleep duration was associated with subsequent transitioning to SLE in individuals at risk for SLE. Methods Four hundred and thirty-six relatives of SLE patients who did not have SLE themselves at baseline were evaluated again an average of 6.3 (± 3.9) years later. Fifty-six individuals transitioned to SLE (≥ 4 cumulative American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria). Sleep duration, medication use and medical history were assessed by questionnaire; ACR criteria were confirmed by medical record review. Vitamin D was measured by ELISA. Generalized estimating equations, accounting for correlation within families, assessed associations between baseline sleep and the outcome of transitioning to SLE. Results Reporting sleeping less than 7 hours per night at baseline was more common in those who subsequently transitioned than those who did not transition to SLE (55% versus 32%, p = 0.0005; OR: 2.8, 95% CI 1.6-4.9). Those who transitioned to SLE were more likely to sleep less than 7 hours per night than those who did not transition to SLE adjusting for age, sex and race (OR: 2.8, 95% CI 1.6-5.1). This association remained after individual adjustment for conditions and early symptoms that could affect sleep, including prednisone use, vitamin D deficiency and number of ACR criteria (OR: 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-4.2). Conclusion Lack of sleep may be associated with transitioning to SLE, independent of early clinical manifestations of SLE that may influence sleep duration. Further evaluation of sleeping patterns and biomarkers in at-risk individuals is warranted.

Intermittent hypoxia-induced epiregulin expression by IL-6 production in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) experience repetitive episodes of desaturation and resaturation of blood oxygen (known as intermittent hypoxia or IH), during sleep. We showed previously that IH induced excessive proliferation of rat vascular smooth muscle cells through upregulation of members of the epidermal growth factor family, especially epiregulin (EREG), and the erbB2 receptor. In this study, we exposed human coronary artery smooth muscle cells to IH and found that IH significantly increased the expression of EREG. IH increased the production of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in smooth muscle cells, and the addition of IL‐6 induced EREG expression. Small interfering RNA for IL‐6 or IL‐6 receptor attenuated the IH‐induced increase in EREG. IL‐6 may play a pivotal role in EREG upregulation by IH and consequently OSA‐related atherosclerosis.

Effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on IL-23 in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of apnea and hypopnea during sleep. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most effective method for treating OSAS and alleviating the patients' symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of 3-month CPAP therapy on serum levels of IL-23 in patients with OSAS. Twenty-three patients with newly diagnosed moderate-to-severe OSAS who had not yet started nasal CPAP treatment were prospectively enrolled. All of the subjects underwent simple spirometry and an overnight sleep study. Twenty-seven healthy individuals without OSAS were also recruited as the control group. Serum IL-23 and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured before and after 3 months of CPAP therapy. There was no significant difference between moderate and severe OSAS patients in IL-23 and CRP, but both parameters were significantly higher than control group. The CPAP treatment produced a significant decrease in the levels of the inflammatory mediators CRP and IL-23 in patients. Changes in IL-23 were positively correlated with changes in AHI and in CRP. In conclusion, based on these results, serum IL-23 levels reflect OSAS-related systemic inflammation and are a useful marker for improvement in OSAS following CPAP therapy.

The role of sleep in pemphigus: a review of mechanisms and perspectives

Pemphigus is an autoimmune bullous disease that causes the development of blisters and erosions on the skin and/or mucosa. Its inflammatory process is mediated by cytokines, which interact with sleep in a bidirectional manner. Pain, a frequent symptom due to pemphigus lesions, is well known to impair sleep quality. Depression is also associated with pemphigus and pro-inflammatory cytokines and may impair sleep. Additionally, a common relationship among other dermatological diseases and sleep has increasingly been described. Poor sleep quality is associated with an increased risk for autoimmune diseases, and insomnia is a comorbidity that has recently been associated with pemphigus. Thus, this review will explore the evidence supporting the likely bidirectional relationship between pemphigus and sleep quality and its possible mechanisms involved. This approach covering both pemphigus and sleep will open a research avenue for future studies focusing on the efficacy of the sleep disorders treatment in patients with pemphigus. In the long term, this may provide relevant information to dermatologists regarding new strategies for the management of pemphigus clinical condition, allowing possibly a better quality of life for the patients.

Prevalence and factors associated with disturbed sleep in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: a systematic review

This review explores the prevalence and factors associated with disturbed sleep for patients with ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in order to clarify consistent findings in this otherwise disparate research field. The association of physical, demographic and psychological factors correlating with poor sleep was explored, and the effectiveness of interventions assessed. Ten electronic databases were searched: AMED, CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, OpenGrey and BASE. Following application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 29 articles were critically assessed on the basis of methodology, experimental design, ethics and quality of sleep data, leading to the selection of 15 studies for final review. Poor sleep was reported in 35-90% of patients with axial spondyloarthritis and is more prevalent within this clinical population compared to healthy control subjects. Disturbed sleep is an important aspect of disease for patients and reflects the severity of disease activity, pain, fatigue and functional disability. However, the direction of this relationship is undetermined. Associations with age, gender, years spent in education, quality of life and depression have also been demonstrated. Anti-TNF medication is effective in reducing poor sleep, and exercise has also produced beneficial results. Future research into poor sleep should take account of its multifactorial nature. There is also a current lack of research investigating non-pharmacological interventions or combination therapies. A standardised, validated measurement of poor sleep, appropriate for regular patient screening, would be a useful first step for future research.

Management and Risk Reduction of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Individuals with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Nationwide Population-Based Study in Taiwan

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To explore associations between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and autoimmune diseases and evaluate whether OSA management reduces the incidence of autoimmune diseases.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study using nationwide database research. The data was from 105,846 adult patients in whom OSA was diagnosed and recorded in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database between 2002 and 2011 were the patients were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with antecedent autoimmune diseases were excluded. A comparison cohort of 423,384 participants without OSA served as age- and sex-matched controls. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed on both cohorts to compute risk of autoimmune diseases during follow-up. Time-dependent OSA treatment effect was analyzed among patients with OSA. There were no interventions.

RESULTS

Among patients with OSA, overall risk for incident autoimmune diseases was significantly higher than that in controls (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.66-2.27). Risk for individual autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjögren syndrome (SS), and Behçet disease, was significantly higher in patients with OSA than in controls (HRs [95% CI]: RA 1.33 [1.03-1.72, SS 3.45 [2.67-4.45] and Behçet disease 5.33 [2.45-12.66]). Increased risk for systemic lupus erythematosus (HR 1.00 [0.54-1.84]) and systemic sclerosis (HR 1.43 [0.51-3.96]) did not reach statistical significance. Patients with OSA receiving treatment had an overall reduced risk of RA and other autoimmune diseases (time-dependent HRs [95% CI]: 0.22 [0.05-0.94] and 0.51 [0.28-0.92], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with OSA are associated with higher risk for developing RA, SS, and Behçet disease. OSA management is associated with reduced risk of RA.

Increased Risk of Parkinson's Disease in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Population-Based, Propensity Score-Matched, Longitudinal Follow-Up Study

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), characterized by repetitive episodes of apnea/hypopnea and hypoxia, is associated with systemic inflammation and induces metabolic, endocrine, and cardiovascular diseases. Inflammation might have an impact on neurodegenerative diseases. This study investigates the possible association between OSA and Parkinson's disease (PD). Random samples out of 1 million individuals were collected from Taiwan's National Health Insurance database. A total of 16,730 patients with newly diagnosed OSA from 2002 to 2008 were recruited and compared with a cohort of 16,730 patients without OSA matched for age, gender, and comorbidities using propensity scoring. All patients were tracked until a diagnosis of PD, death, or the end of 2011.During the mean 5.6-year follow-up period, the incidence rates of PD were 2.30 per 1000 person-years in the OSA cohort and 1.71per 1000 person-years in the comparison group. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) for PD was greater in older patients (≧ 65 years) and male patients with OSA than the controls, respective IRRs being 1.34 and 1.47. After adjustment for the comorbidities, patients with OSA were 1.37 times more likely to have PD than patients without (95% CI = 1.12-1.68, P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that older patients and patients with coronary artery disease, stroke, or chronic kidney disease had a higher risk for PD than their counter parts. Log-rank analysis revealed that patients with OSA had significantly higher cumulative incidence rates of PD than the comparison group (P = 0.0048). Patients with OSA are at an increased risk for subsequent PD, especially elderly male patients.

Is There a Relationship Between Snoring Sound Intensity and Frequency and OSAS Severity?

Objectives:

We investigated the relationship between snoring sounds and severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

Methods:

A total number of 103 snoring patients (60 males and 43 females) were evaluated by means of polysomnographic findings and snoring sound recordings. Snoring sound intensity was assessed using fast Fourier transform (FFT) method by measuring maximal frequency (Fmax) and average snoring sound intensity level (SSIL).

Results:

Maximal frequency and SSIL are correlated with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), REM AHI, and severity of the OSAS. So, as the severity of the OSAS increased, so did the Fmax and SSIL of the snoring recordings, meaning patients started snoring louder with more frequency. In older patients, in females, in severe OSAS group, and in patients with higher body mass index (BMI), AHI and AHI REM values and SSIL and Fmax values increased. As mean oxygen (O2) saturation and lowest O2 saturation decreased, SSIL and Fmax values increased.

Conclusion:

Maximal frequency and SSIL analysis of the snoring sound increased in severe OSAS patients. People should be aware of the importance of snoring sounds. In particular, patients with snoring sounds increasing in intensity and of higher frequency should discuss with their physicians the possibility of OSAS.

Prevention of cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis

The increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been recognized for many years. However, although the characteristics of CVD and its burden resemble those in diabetes, the focus on cardiovascular (CV) prevention in RA has lagged behind, both in the clinical and research settings. Similar to diabetes, the clinical picture of CVD in RA may be atypical, even asymptomatic. Therefore, a proactive screening for subclinical CVD in RA is warranted. Because of the lack of clinical trials, the ideal CVD prevention (CVP) in RA has not yet been defined. In this article, we focus on challenges and controversies in the CVP in RA (such as thresholds for statin therapy), and propose recommendations based on the current evidence. Due to the significant contribution of non-traditional, RA-related CV risk factors, the CV risk calculators developed for the general population underestimate the true risk in RA. Thus, there is an enormous need to develop adequate CV risk stratification tools and to identify the optimal CVP strategies in RA. While awaiting results from randomized controlled trials in RA, clinicians are largely dependent on the use of common sense, and extrapolation of data from studies on other patient populations. The CVP in RA should be based on an individualized evaluation of a broad spectrum of risk factors, and include: 1) reduction of inflammation, preferably with drugs decreasing CV risk, 2) management of factors associated with increased CV risk (e.g., smoking, hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, kidney disease, depression, periodontitis, hypothyroidism, vitamin D deficiency and sleep apnea), and promotion of healthy life style (smoking cessation, healthy diet, adjusted physical activity, stress management, weight control), 3) aspirin and influenza and pneumococcus vaccines according to current guidelines, and 4) limiting use of drugs that increase CV risk. Rheumatologists should take responsibility for the education of health care providers and RA patients regarding CVP in RA. It is immensely important to incorporate CV outcomes in testing of anti-rheumatic drugs.

Sleep disorders and increased risk of autoimmune diseases in individuals without sleep apnea

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To explore the association between the non-apnea sleep disorder (NSD) and autoimmune diseases.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

SETTING

Nationwide database research.

PARTICIPANTS

84,996 adult patients with NSD diagnoses recorded in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database between 2000 and 2003, after excluding those with antecedent autoimmune diseases. A comparison cohort of 84,996 participants was formed by age-, gender-, income-, and urbanization-matched controls.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

The two cohorts were followed up for occurrence of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and systemic sclerosis (SSc). A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used for muti-variate adjustment. In patients with NSD, the overall risk for incident autoimmune diseases was significantly higher than in controls (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.41-1.53). With regard to individual diseases, the risks for SLE, RA, AS and SS among NSD patients were also significantly higher than in controls (HR [95% CI] for SLE, RA, AS, and SS were 1.81 [1.50-2.18], 1.45 [1.36-1.54], 1.53 [1.38-1.70], and 1.51 [1.43-1.60], respectively), whereas the increased risk for SSc did not reach statistical significance (HR: 1.36 [0.82-2.26]).

CONCLUSION

Patients with non-apnea sleep disorder were associated with a higher risk for developing autoimmune diseases.

Sleep apnea and the risk of chronic kidney disease: a nationwide population-based cohort study

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Sleep apnea (SA) is characterized by apnea during sleep and is associated with cardiovascular diseases and an increase in all-cause mortality. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health problem that has placed a substantial burden on healthcare resources. However, the relationship between SA and the incidence of CKD is not clear. This study aimed to determine whether SA is an independent risk factor for the development of CKD.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) of Taiwan.

PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS

A total of 4,674 adult patients (age ≥ 30 y) in whom SA was newly diagnosed from 2000 to 2010 were included, together with 23,370 non-SA patients as the comparison group. The two groups were frequency-matched for sex, age, and year of receiving medical service. Each individual was followed until 2011.

INTERVENTIONS

N/A.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

These two groups were monitored and observed for the occurrence of CKD. Patients with SA experienced a 1.94-fold increase (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.52-2.46; P < 0.001) in the incidence of CKD, which was independent of sex, age, and comorbid medical conditions. Additionally, they showed a 2.2-fold increase (95% CI, 1.31-3.69; P < 0.01) in the incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with sleep apnea are at increased risk for chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease compared with the general population. As such, screening renal function and treatment of chronic kidney disease is an important issue in patients with sleep apnea.

Pulmonary, renal and neurological comorbidities in patients with ankylosing spondylitis; implications for clinical practice

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is associated with several comorbidities which contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality and add to the complexity of management. In addition to the well known extra-articular manifestations and increased cardiovascular risk, several pulmonary, renal, and neurological complications which have been associated with AS deserve equal attention. Whereas a clear link has been established for some manifestations, the evidence for other associations is less clear. Interstitial lung disease, apical fibrosis, secondary infection, and ventilatory restriction from reduced chest wall movement are well known pulmonary complications; more recently an association with sleep apnoea has been suggested. Renal amyloidosis and IgA nephropathy remain a treatment challenge which may respond to anti-TNF therapy. Atlanto axial subluxation and vertebral fractures can result in serious neurological complications and are notoriously difficult to diagnose unless a high level of suspicion is maintained. Despite several reports linking AS with demyelination a true link remains to be proved. This review discusses the prevalence, pathophysiology, and management of pulmonary, renal, and neurological complications, and implications for clinical practice.

Prediction of future rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) results from an interaction between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. Several of these factors are known, such as family history of RA, high birth weight, smoking, silica exposure, alcohol nonuse, obesity, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid factor, anti-citrullinated protein antibody, and genetic variants such as the shared epitope and protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 22. The impact of these factors can be modeled in the 2 main groups at risk of RA: family members of patients with RA and seropositive persons with or without arthralgia. Current models have the potential to select individuals for preventive strategies.

Obstructive sleep apnea and risk of osteoporosis: a population-based cohort study in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with metabolic, endocrine, and cardiovascular diseases. It is characterized by repetitive episodes of apnea/hypopnea and hypoxia in tissues, which might also impact bone metabolism. This study investigates the possible association between OSA and osteoporosis.

METHODS

Random samples of 1 million individuals were collected from Taiwan's National Health Insurance database. A total of 1377 patients with newly diagnosed OSA from 2000 to 2008 were recruited and compared with a matched cohort of 20 655 patients without OSA. All patients were tracked until an osteoporosis diagnosis, death, or the end of 2011.

RESULTS

During the 6-year follow-up period, the incidence rates of osteoporosis in the OSA cohort and comparison group were 2.52 and 1.00 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Patients with OSA were found to be at 2.74 times the risk of osteoporosis than patients without OSA (95% confidence interval 1.69-4.44, P < .05), after adjustment for age, gender, diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, obesity, stroke, hyperlipidemia, chronic kidney disease, gout, monthly income, and geographical location. Subgroup analysis showed that older patients and female patients had a higher risk for osteoporosis than their younger and male counterparts. Log-rank analysis revealed that patients with OSA patients had significantly higher cumulative incidence rates of osteoporosis than the comparison group (P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

People diagnosed with OSA are at increased risk for subsequent osteoporosis.

Obstructive sleep apnea and the subsequent risk of depressive disorder: a population-based follow-up study

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Empirical findings on the prospective link between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and subsequent depression are mixed. This nationwide, population-based study thus aimed at assessing the risk of depressive disorder within the first year following a diagnosis with OSA. Gender effects were further examined.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

SETTING

Taiwan.

PATIENTS

This study used data from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000. A total of 2,818 patients diagnosed with OSA between 2002 and 2008 were evaluated, and 14,090 matched non-OSA enrollees used as a comparison cohort.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Each patient was followed for one year to identify subsequent depressive disorder. We found that during the one-year follow-up, the incidence of depressive disorder per thousand person-years was about twice as high among patients with OSA (18.10, 95% CI = 13.62-23.61) as those without OSA (8.23, 95% CI = 6.83-9.84). The Cox proportional hazards model revealed that patients with OSA were independently associated with a 2.18 times (95% CI = 1.55-3.08) increased risk of subsequent depressive disorder within a year, compared to those without OSA. As epidemiological studies have consistently documented an increased risk for depression in women, we hypothesized and confirmed higher risks of depressive disorder among female patients with OSA (2.72, 95% CI = 1.68-4.40) than their male counterparts (1.81, 95% CI = 1.09-3.01).

CONCLUSION

A prospective link between OSA and subsequent depressive disorder within one year was confirmed by the current study. The risk was particularly evident among women. Regular psychiatric screening among patients with OSA is suggested to prompt the timely detection of depression.

COMMENTARY

A commentary on this article appears in this issue on page 425.

Obstructive sleep apnea increases the risk of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis: a population-based matched-cohort study

AIMS

Previous studies indicated a possible association between bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) and sleep disorders including sleep abnormalities with delayed onset of sleep, waking up before needed, and snoring. Nevertheless, no previous study has reported the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and BPS/IC. In this retrospective cohort study, we examined the risk of BPS/IC among subjects with OSA during a 3-year follow-up in Taiwan using a population-based dataset.

METHODS

This study comprised 2,940 study subjects with OSA, and 29,400 randomly selected comparison subjects. We individually followed-up each sampled subject (n = 32,340) for a 3-year period to identify those subjects who subsequently received a diagnosis of BPS/IC. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was constructed to estimate the risk of subsequent BPS/IC following a diagnosis of OSA.

RESULTS

Incidences of BPS/IC during the 3-year follow-up period were 13.61 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 7.37-23.13) and 3.60 (95% CI = 2.06-4.39) for subjects with and those without OSA, respectively. After adjusting for diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, obesity, hyperlipidemia, chronic pelvic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, panic disorder, migraines, sicca syndrome, allergies, endometriosis, asthma, tobacco use disorder, and alcohol abuse, the stratified Cox proportional hazards regressions revealed that the hazard ratio for BPS/IC among subjects with OSA was 3.71 (95% CI = 1.81-7.62, P < 0.001) that of comparison subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides epidemiological evidence of a link between OSA and a subsequent BPS/IC diagnosis. We suggest that clinical practitioners treating subjects with OSA be alert to urinary complaints in this population.