Occurrence of sleep-related breathing disorders in patients with chronic urticaria at its asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic stages

Abstract

A b s t r a c tIntroduction: Chronic urticaria (CU), in view of its manifestations (pruritus, wheals), chronic and recurrent nature is very bothersome for patients and significantly influences their quality of life. Aim: To assess the importance of sleep problems and sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs) declared by CU patients, for their quality of life. Material and methods: Twenty-eight patients with CU at an asymptomatic stage or with minimal symptoms and signs were qualified for the study. In these patients, assessment of urticaria severity, QoL and SRBDs incidence was carried out. Results: In a questionnaire study (CU-Q2oL), about 54% of the patients with CU complained of sleeping problems, about 80% reported significant fatigue and lack of concentration in the daytime. Respiratory polygraphy, an objective measure of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs) demonstrated their higher incidence in patients with CU than in the general population, but these disorders were mild and had no influence on the reduced quality of life of the study patients, compared with a group of patients without SRBDs. Conclusions: The occurrence of SRBDs was found in 25% of patients with CU at asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic stages. The SRBDs in those patients were mild, required no treatment and their occurrence did not cause any significant reduction in their quality of life.

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“…In other words, the examined group of CU patients manifested worsened QoL. This observation is in agreement with literature data [ 16 , 18 , 27 – 30 ]. The above seems to be explained by an unpredictable course of CU, recurrent disease episodes and the location of skin lesions (on visible body parts).…”

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“…11,12 Patients with chronic urticaria report frequent sleep awakenings and difficulty falling asleep, with daytime fatigue reported by 75% of the patients and a higher incidence of sleep-related breathing disorder compared with the general population. 13 The resulting daytime fatigue, mood depression, and lower efficiency at school or work also impair these patients. 14…”

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“… 11 Another study by Perkowska and colleagues reported that around 25% of participants with CSU had sleep related breathing disorders, a higher rate compared to the general population. 12 Interestingly, when compared to another dermatologic disease, a higher proportion of CU patients reported sleep difficulties compared to psoriasis patients. 3 …”