Sleep quality and risk of obstructive sleep apnea in psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa patients

Background/aimPsoriasis and Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) are chronic inflammatory skin conditions that significantly impact quality of life, sleep, and increase morbidity. This study aims to compare sleep quality and the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with these conditions. Additionally, it explores the relationships between sleep disorders, demographic factors, disease severity, and inflammatory markers.Materials and methodsThe study included 25 HS and 50 psoriasis patients diagnosed and followed in the Dermatology Department of a tertiary healthcare institution. Disease severity was assessed using the HURLEY score for HS patients and the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) for psoriasis patients. Sleep quality and OSA risk were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Berlin, and STOP-Bang questionnaires.ResultsA total of 75 patients participated, with 50 in the psoriasis group and 25 in the HS group. Of the participants, %41 were female, with a mean age of 36.4 +/- 12.7 years. HS patients had significantly higher PSQI and STOP-Bang scores compared to psoriasis patients (p = 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). No significant associations were found between disease severity and questionnaire scores in either condition. However, the rate of high-risk OSA was higher in males (p = 0.004) and more prevalent in HS patients than in psoriasis patients (%64 vs. %26, p = 0.002).ConclusionHS patients face a significantly higher risk for OSA due to factors like obesity, smoking, increased neck and waist circumference, and elevated inflammation. Routine assessment of OSA risk using tools like the PSQI, Berlin, and STOP-Bang questionnaires is recommended for these patients.