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Subject Area

Pediatrics

Article Type

Case Report

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to assess sleep pattern changes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Background There is evidence that patients with RA may be at increased risk for sleep disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sleep abnormalities have also been linked to increased pain and fatigue perception, which are common concerns in rheumatology patients. Untreated OSA with intermittent hypoxia is associated with elevated levels of systemic inflammatory markers: C-reactive protein (CRP) and proinflammatory cytokines. Patients and methods Thirty patients diagnosed as having RA, and 30 apparent healthy control participants were invited to participate in the study. All the patients were subjected to full medical history, Epworth sleepiness score, thorough clinical examination with evaluation of the disease activity, laboratory assessment of CRP, and complete overnight polysomnography. Results In the current work, the prevalence of sleep apnea in RA patients was 18/30 (60%). Sleep apnea was obstructive. Mean apnea–hypopnea index was 23.42 ± 26.27/h. Among these OSA patients, 36.7% had severe, 10% had moderate, and 36.7% had mild OSA. The study showed a significant correlation between apnea–hypopnea index and BMI, neck circumference, Epworth sleepiness score, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, CRP, and hematocrit. Conclusion OSA is commonly associated with RA patients. Coexistence of OSA in RA patients may influence the disease activity and the level of circulating inflammatory markers.

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