Background and Aim: The present study aims to assess the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with psoriasis referring to Razi Hospital.
Methods: Participants were assessed for demographic characteristics, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), disease duration, place of residence, education level, and were also evaluated using the Stop-Bang and Berlin questionnaires to assess the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. The high and low-risk groups for obstructive sleep apnea were compared regarding these parameters.
Results: Based on the Stop-Bang criteria, 43 individuals (41.3%) had moderate risk, and 23 individuals (22.1%) had high risk of obstructive sleep apnea. According to the Berlin questionnaire, 48 individuals (46.2%) were at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea. The mean age of individuals with high risk of obstructive sleep apnea according to the STOP-BANG criteria was significantly higher than those with moderate risk (mean=58.3, standard deviation=10.6, compared to mean=48.1, standard deviation=16.1, P = 0.039) and low risk (mean=41.7, standard deviation=17.8, P< 0.001). Additionally, BMI differed significantly among the three groups based on the Stop-BANG criteria, with higher BMI observed in individuals at higher risk for obstructive sleep apnea (P<0.05). BMI was significantly higher in individuals with high risk of obstructive sleep apnea according to the Berlin criteria compared to those with low risk (mean 31.1 versus mean 26, P<0.001).
Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight obstructive sleep apnea as a comorbidity associated with psoriasis.