Abstract
Fatigue is a frequent symptom in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and can be a cause of or be associated with sleep disorders. To assess the sleep quality of pSS patients and its relationship with fatigue and disease activity. Analytical observational study conducted at an exercise psychobiology laboratory. Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburg sleep quality index (PSQI) and actigraphy. Fatigue was evaluated through the Profile of Fatigue and Discomfort - Sicca Symptoms Inventory (PROFAD-SSI-SF) and a visual analogue scale for fatigue (VAS-fatigue). Disease activity was evaluated using a visual analogue scale for pain (VAS-pain), EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI) and Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI). We summarized the data through descriptive statistics. A total of 50 female patients with pSS, of average age 56.4 years, were included in the study; 80% presented low disease activity. The total PSQI score showed that 74% had poor sleep. The actigraphy showed mean sleep latency of 26.2 minutes and mean nightly awakening of 48.2 minutes (duration of wakings after sleep onset, WASO). There were correlations between PSQI and VAS-pain, VAS-fatigue, PROFAD-SSI and ESSPRI. Actigraphy showed a correlation between the duration of WASO and ESSDAI. The present study provides important information regarding correlations between sleep disorders and disease activity. There is a need for proper control over disease activity and for development of strategies to help patients to sleep better in order to diminish their fatigue.
Highlights
Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects the exocrine glands and, less frequently, internal organs
The present study provides important information regarding a possible correlation between sleep disorders and disease activity
The study aimed to describe the characteristics of a group of patients with Sjögren’s syndrome, concerning fatigue, pain and sleep disorders
Summary
Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects the exocrine glands and, less frequently, internal organs It is characterized by intense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, mainly in the epithelium of the tissues affected, and this leads to destruction and loss of their secreting function, and consequent xerostomia and keratoconjunctivitis.[1,2]. It is considered to be a debilitating condition and is the most important cause of dysfunction in these patients.[4,5,6] It has been described as a lack of physical or mental energy, i.e. a state of exhaustion, which interferes with the person’s ability to maintain his/her physical and cognitive activities It can be persistent and severe.[4,5,6] Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain occurrences of fatigue among pSS patients, but its underlying physiological basis remains insufficiently defined.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
