Subjective sleep quality and fatigue assessment in Polish adult patients with primary immunodeficiencies: A pilot study

Abstract

IntroductionPrimary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are clinically heterogeneous disorders caused by abnormalities in the immune system. However, PIDs are genetically determined and may occur at any age from early childhood to elderly age. Due to chronic patterns, the risk of malignancy and organ damage in patients with PIDs may affect any aspect of life, including sleep patterns. To our knowledge, the prevalence of insomnia and subjective sleep quality have not been investigated in patients with PIDs. Therefore, this pilot study was conducted to investigate sleep quality, the prevalence of sleep disturbances, and fatigue in adult patients with PIDs in Poland.MethodsAll participants were surveyed using the Athens Insomnia Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Fatigue Severity Scale, and a questionnaire concerning general health and demographic data. We included 92 participants: 48 women (52.2%) and 44 men (47.8%).ResultsParticipants’ mean age was 41.9 ± 13.9 years. The mean sleep duration was 7.0 ± 1.5 hours, and the mean sleep latency was 41.2 ± 53.1 minutes. Additionally, 44.6% of patients (n=41) had symptoms of insomnia and 44.6% (n=42) had poor sleep quality. Less than one-fourth (n=22; 23.9%) of the patients reported the use of sleeping pills; moreover, clinically significant fatigue was reported in 52.2% (n=48).DiscussionOur investigation provides insight into the problem of sleep disturbances in patients with PIDs. Data have demonstrated that sleeping disorders with concomitant fatigue are common in patients with PID. Further studies are needed to determine the determinants of poor sleep quality in this specific group of patients.

Anxiety in Polish adult patients with inborn errors of immunity: a cross-sectional study

“…(2) > (0), patients declaring pain occurring more than 30 days in the previous 3 months had significantly higher level of anxiety than patients declaring no pain. Previously, we revealed that 38% of patients with IEI had anxiety symptoms, which were more frequent than depression symptoms (3). In this study, no correlations were detected between the activity of the disease and the anxiety levels.…”

“…However, some studies revealed that anxiety is potentially more prevalent than depression among patients with IEI (20), and it is often overlooked in clinical practice. In our previous study (3), which included a part of the current study (n=92), anxiety symptoms were frequent. Therefore, we expanded our sample (n=105) and considered anxiety as a dependent variable to perform a more precise analysis of factors, including anxiety levels, the association of anxiety levels with sleeping disorders, and pain.…”

“…Besides enhanced anxiety and depression, patients with IEI exhibited a greater degree of perceived memory impairment or brain fog ( 36 ). Previously, we revealed that 38% of patients with IEI had anxiety symptoms, which were more frequent than depression symptoms ( 3 ).…”

“…Many longitudinal studies revealed bidirectional correlations between sleep quality and anxiety ( 22 ). Previously ( 3 ), using a multiple linear regression model, we identified anxiety symptoms as an important predictor of poor sleep quality. Therefore, we decided to further analyze the association between anxiety and sleep quality in the current manuscript.…”

“…Patients with IEI experience a deterioration in their physical condition owing to chronic patterns and recurrent infections. Furthermore, owing to repeated medical procedures, the need for constant treatment and surveillance, the threat of malignancy, and the unpredictable course of the disease; patients are prone to developing mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression ( 3 ).…”