Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Psoriasis Patients

Abstract

Aim: Psoriasis is a frequently seen chronic systemic inflammatory disease accompanied by several comorbid conditions that affects 2-3% of the general population. One of the comorbidities rarely accompanying psoriasis is obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). OSAS is a disease characterized by recurrent complete (apnea) or partial (hypopnea) upper airway obstruction episodes and frequently by decreased blood oxygen saturation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for OSAS by investigating OSAS symptoms in psoriasis patients. Material and Methods: Eighty-two patients aged over 16, diagnosed with psoriasis, and under follow-up by the Duzce University Medical of Faculty, Dermatology and Venereal Diseases Polyclinic, Turkey, were included in the study. Patients' OSAS symptoms were investigated. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale was used to assess excessive daytime somnolence. Results: Of the patients 51.2% (n=42) were male and 48.8% (n=40) female. Patients' mean age was 47.09±14.10 years. Patients' mean time of psoriasis diagnosis was 16.97±10.55 years, and mean Psoriatic Area Severity Index (PASI) score was 11.25±6.32. Severe disease was present in 54.9% of patients (n=45) based on PASI classification. Prevalence of 56.1% for snoring, 25.6% for excessive daytime sleepiness, and 15.9% for witnessed apnea were determined in these patients. Forty-seven (57.3%) cases had at least one major symptom. The most common minor symptoms were inability to sleep with 25.6% (n=21) and insufficient disrupted sleep with 22.0% (n=18). Conclusion: Prevalence of OSAS symptoms in psoriasis patients were found high. Psoriasis patients with OSAS symptoms must be referred to relevant specialists for polysomnographic evaluation.