The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in sarcoidosis and its impact on sleepiness, fatigue, and sleep-associated quality of life: a cross-sectional study with matched controls (the OSASA study)

Abstract

Study objectives: Patients with sarcoidosis experience fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). However, the underlying pathomechanism is unclear. Studies suggested undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to be an important contributor, but reliable data on prevalence and impact of OSA in sarcoidosis are scarce.

Methods: 71 adult patients with sarcoidosis, 1-to-1 matched to 71 adult controls according to sex, age, and body mass index were included. Participants underwent structured interviews (including Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS], Fatigue Assessment Scale [FAS], and Functional Outcome of Sleep Questionnaire [FOSQ-30]) and level-3 respiratory polygraphy. OSA was defined as apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 5 events/h. Prevalence of OSA was assessed and possible risk factors for OSA in sarcoidosis were investigated.

Results: Mild OSA (AHI ≥ 5 events/h) was prevalent in 32 (45%) sarcoidosis patients vs 22 (31%) controls (P = .040). Sarcoidosis patients presented higher ESS compared with matched controls (P = .037). FAS scores (median [quartile] of 21.5 [16, 27.5]) indicated fatigue in sarcoidosis patients. Patients with EDS (ESS ≥ 11) presented reduced FOSQ-30 results (median [quartile] of 16.7 [15.2, 17.8]). ESS, FAS, and FOSQ were not associated with AHI in sarcoidosis patients. Body mass index, sex, neck circumference, and NoSAS score were predictors for OSA in sarcoidosis.

Conclusions: The risk for mild OSA is 2.5-fold higher in sarcoidosis patients compared with matched controls. OSA seems not to be the reason for increased sleepiness or fatigue in sarcoidosis. Risk factors such as body mass index, sex, neck circumference, and NoSAS score can be used to screen for OSA in sarcoidosis patients.

Clinical trial registration: Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: Obstructive Sleep Apnoea in Sarcoidosis (OSASA); URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/history/NCT04156789?V_2=View; Identifier: NCT04156789.

Citation: Roeder M, Sievi NA, Schneider A, et al. The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in sarcoidosis and its impact on sleepiness, fatigue, and sleep-associated quality of life: a cross-sectional study with matched controls (the OSASA study). J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(10):2415-2422.

Keywords: AHI; fatigue; obstructive sleep apnea; sarcoidosis.