Sleep disturbances in patients of liver cirrhosis with minimal hepatic encephalopathy before and after lactulose therapy

Sleep disturbances are common in patients of cirrhosis with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) and affect health related quality of life (HRQOL). No study has evaluated effect of lactulose on sleep disturbances and correlation with HRQOL in patients with MHE. We assessed sleep disturbances in cirrhosis with MHE and effect of lactulose on sleep disturbances and HRQOL. One hundred patients of cirrhosis [MHE; (n = 50, age 45.3 ± 11.2 years, 45 males) no-MHE (n = 50, age 46.3 ± 10.4 years, 44 males)] were included. MHE was diagnosed with psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) ≤ ?5. All patients underwent laboratory parameters including arterial ammonia and critical flicker frequency (CFF) Sleep disturbances were measured with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and polysomnography. HRQOL was measured with SF-36(v2) questionnaire. Patients with MHE were given lactulose therapy for 3 months and all the parameters were repeated. Poor quality of sleep and excessive day time sleepiness were more common in patients with MHE, compared to without MHE. With lactulose therapy there was improvement in MHE in 21 patients and arterial ammonia levels (93.74 ± 14.8 vs. 71.44 ± 18.8 μmol/L: p < 0.001), CFF (34.83 ± 3.54 vs. 39.44 ± 4.95 Hz: p < 0.001), PHES (?7.64 ± 2.1 vs. -5.58 ± 2.09: p < 0.001), PSQI (8.6 ± 3.3 vs. 5.2 ± 1.5: p < 0.001), ESS (12.52 ± 3.01 vs. 9.24 ± 2.27: p < 0.001) and HRQOL (p = 0.01). Excessive day time sleepiness and impaired sleep quality are common in patients with MHE and correlate with neuropsychiatric impairment. Improvement in MHE with lactulose also leads to improvement in sleep disturbances and HRQOL.

     

Correlation between degree and quality of sleep disturbance and the level of neuropsychiatric impairment in patients with liver cirrhosis

Sleep disturbances are common in patients of cirrhosis and has a significant effect on their health related quality of life (HRQOL). Thus far, no study has demonstrated a systematically studied significant correlation between the sleep disturbance observed and the neuropsychiatric impairment status of patients of cirrhosis. On the basis of PHES, we divided 100 cirrhotics into those having minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) (PHES≤?5) and those not (NMHE). Now, in these MHE (n=46) and NMHE (n=54) patients, sleep disturbance was measured with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and HRQOL with SF-36(v2) questionnaire. Sixty (60 %) patients were found to be ‘poor sleepers’ (PSQI>5) while 38 (38 %) patients had excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS≥11). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed MHE has significant effect among ‘poor sleepers’ (P<0.0001) as well as on those with EDS (P<0.0001). Significant correlation existed between PHES and both the sleep parameters of PSQI (r = ?0.518, P <0.0001) as well as ESS (r = ?0.383, P <0.0001), implying independently strong correlation between poor cognition and the presence of night time sleep disturbance and excessive daytime sleepiness among cirrhotics. Significant correlation existed between PSQI and ESS and the various scales and component scores of SF-36(v2) signifying the negative impact of sleep disturbance on the HRQOL. In conclusion, both night time sleep disturbance and excessive daytime sleepiness have significant relation with the neuropsychiatric impairment in patients of cirrhosis and are significantly associated with the observed impairment in HRQOL.     

Study of the sleep quality and psychological state of patients with hepatitis B liver cirrhosis

Aim

We aimed to investigate sleep quality, mild hepatic encephalopathy, anxiety, and depression in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis by using a variety of scales and questionnaires.

Method

A cohort of 341 patients with hepatitis B liver cirrhosis were categorized by Child–Pugh grading (A, B, and C) in this cross‐sectional study. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Number Connection Test‐A (NCT‐A), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) evaluated the questionnaires and statistically analyzed the intrinsic correlation. The control group included 50 healthy individuals. Of 341 patients, 213 had a PSQI index >5 points.

Results

The PSQI, NCT‐A, anxiety scale (HAD [a]), and depression scale (HAD [d]) of the patients were significantly different. The NCT‐A‐positive patients revealed 214 cases of possible minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) during a preliminary screening of patients. The PSQI score of NCT‐A‐positive patients was significantly elevated compared to NCT‐A‐negative patients (P < 0.001). HAD (a) and HAD (d) were significantly different between the NCT‐A‐positive and NCT‐A‐negative groups (P = 0.002 and P = 0.006, respectively). Univariate Pearson's correlation analysis found that NCT‐A and HAD (a) were positively correlated with PSQI (P < 0.001 and P = 0.045, respectively); however, Child–Pugh score and HAD (d) were not correlated with PSQI (P = 0.061 and P = 0.059, respectively).

Conclusion

These results indicated that patients with hepatitis B liver cirrhosis have a disturbed sleep, which might be an MHE symptom, further causing considerable anxiety. Thus, the evaluation of sleep quality and psychological state of patients with hepatitis B liver cirrhosis necessitates further investigation to guide positive intervention.     

Effects of laughter therapy on depression,cognition and sleep among the community‐dwelling elderly

Aim: To investigate the effects of laughter therapy on depression, cognitive function, quality of life, and sleep of the elderly in a community. Methods: Between July and September 2007, the total study sample consisted of 109 subjects aged over 65 divided into two groups; 48 subjects in the laughter therapy group and 61 subjects in the control group. The subjects in the laughter therapy group underwent laughter therapy four times over 1 month. We compared Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Short‐Form Health Survey‐36 (SF‐36), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) between the two groups before and after laughter therapy. Results: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Before laughter therapy, the GDS scores were 7.98 ± 3.58 and 8.08 ± 3.96; the MMSE scores were 23.81 ± 3.90 and 22.74 ± 4.00; total scores of SF‐36 were 54.77 ± 17.63 and 52.54 ± 21.31; the ISI scores were 8.00 ± 6.29 and 8.36 ± 6.38; the PSQI scores were 6.98 ± 3.41 and 7.38 ± 3.70 in laughter therapy group and control groups, respectively. After laughter therapy, the GDS scores were 6.94 ± 3.19 (P = 0.027) and 8.43 ± 3.44 (P = 0.422); the MMSE scores were 24.63 ± 3.53 (P = 0.168) and 23.70 ± 3.85 (P = 0.068); total scores of SF‐36 were 52.24 ± 17.63 (P = 0.347) and 50.32 ± 19.66 (P = 0.392); the ISI scores were 7.58 ± 5.38 (P = 0.327) and 9.31 ± 6.35 (P = 0.019); the PSQI scores were 6.04 ± 2.35 (P = 0.019) and 7.30 ± 3.74 (P = 0.847) in both groups, respectively. Conclusion: Laughter therapy is considered to be useful, cost‐effective and easily‐accessible intervention that has positive effects on depression, insomnia, and sleep quality in the elderly. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2011; 11: 267–274.     

Regional variations in the concentrations of ketone bodies in cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy: a study in patients with TIPSS

Background: Little is known about the metabolism of acetoacetate and β‐hydroxybutyrate in patients with cirrhosis and encephalopathy. Aims: We investigated the fate of ketone bodies in these conditions. Materials and methods: We studied 18 cirrhotic patients with encephalopathy and 17 cirrhotics without. At the time of insertion of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPSS) or at the time of portographical assessment of the shunt's patency, we collected blood from the internal jugular, the right atrium, the inferior vena cava, the hepatic, the portal, the splenic veins and the radial artery. We used nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure the concentrations of acetoacetate and β‐hydroxybutyrate. Results: There was no difference in the total ketone body concentrations between the two groups. The mitochondrial redox potential was significantly higher in the encephalopathics (142/54=2.63 vs 52/83=0.62) (P<0.01). β‐hydroxybutyrate was significantly lower in the portal vein of encephalopathics (52 ± 4 vs 28 ± 3) (P<0.02) and in the splenic vein (48 ± 6 vs 32 ± 5) (P<0.04). Acetoacetate was significantly higher in encephalopathics in the internal jugular vein (134 ± 12 vs 92 ± 16) (P<0.03), the right atrium (112 ± 18 vs 68 ± 11) (P<0.03), the hepatic vein (162 ± 25 vs 115 ± 19) (P<0.05), the portal vein (133 ± 20 vs 81 ± 14) (P<0.02) and the splenic vein (167 ± 24 vs 122 ± 21) (P<0.04). All measurements are expressed in μmols/L. Conclusions: There are significant variations in the regional concentrations of the ketone bodies in encephalopathy.     

Prevalence of Restless Legs Syndrome and Its Effects on Sleep and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Heart Failure

BackgroundRestless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by leg restlessness and dysesthesia. Although the relationship between RLS and heart failure (HF) has been reported, the prevalence and clinical significance of RLS in patients with HF remain to be elucidated.Methods and ResultsWe enrolled consecutive patients with HF who were admitted to our institutions. RLS was diagnosed using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group criteria. Subjective sleepiness, sleep quality, and quality of life (QoL) were assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and 8-item Short Form (SF-8), respectively. Among the 133 patients, 18 (13.6%) had RLS and were younger than those without RLS (62.4±13.4 vs 70.0±12.2, P = .017). The RLS group had significantly disrupted sleep quality and QoL, with greater PSQI score (8.0±3.2 vs 5.9±3.3, P = .015) and lower SF-8 physical component summary (PCS) score (35.6±6.5 vs 40.7±9.5, P = .031), despite similar ESS and SF-8 mental component summary scores. In the multivariable regression analysis, RLS was associated with greater PSQI (β=0.211; P = .014) and lower PCS score (β=?0.177; P = .045).ConclusionIn the patients with HF, RLS was prevalent, and sleep quality and QoL may be disrupted by RLS.     

Undiagnosed cirrhosis occurs frequently in the elderly and requires periodic follow ups and medical treatments

Background: Autopsy examinations frequently reveal undiagnosed cirrhosis, but its characteristics have rarely been addressed in the elderly. Methods: From 1597 consecutive autopsies, those of patients with liver cirrhosis were selected and their clinicopathological findings were examined. Results: Seventy‐six patients had liver cirrhosis; 18 of these patients (23.7%) were classified as an “undiagnosed” group and in that they had not been diagnosed as having cirrhosis before death. The remaining 58 patients were classified as a “clinical” group. Compared to the clinical group, the undiagnosed group demonstrated a significantly lower Child–Pugh score (7.1 ± 1.9 vs 8.6 ± 2.1; P < 0.01) and infrequent hepatocellular carcinoma (72.4% vs 5.6%; P < 0.0001). The undiagnosed group also demonstrated significantly lower complication rates of hepatic encephalopathy and esophageal varix, and a volume of ascites. The patients in the undiagnosed group were significantly older (79.9 ± 8.1 vs 74.2 ± 8.5 years; P < 0.01), and fewer patients died of liver‐related causes (17% vs 67.2%; P < 0.0001). The etiology of cirrhosis was unknown in five patients in the undiagnosed group, and seven patients did not show any suggestive symptoms or imaging signs. Conclusion: Liver cirrhosis is often undiagnosed (23.7%) in the elderly. In the undiagnosed group, liver function was preserved and serious complications were infrequent. Because the diagnosis of cirrhosis leads to early identification of hepatocellular carcinoma and good prognosis, detailed examination and periodic follow ups should be performed when liver dysfunction is indicated, even in the elderly.     

Prevalence of restless legs syndrome in Japanese patients with chronic liver disease

Aim: Sleep disturbance is a major complication in patients with chronic liver disease, but causes are unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in Japanese chronic liver disease patients and investigate the influence on sleep and quality of life. Methods: The study included 149 consecutive outpatients with chronic liver disease at Nagasaki University Hospital between September 2008 and March 2010. The presence of RLS was evaluated by a written survey using the questionnaire for the epidemiological surveillance of the international RLS research group in 2003. In addition, 89 cases, including all RLS patients, were evaluated for sleep quality and health-related quality of life. Sleep quality was evaluated by using the Japanese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and health-related quality of life was evaluated by the Japanese SF-36 Health Survey. Result: Twenty-five of the 149 patients (16.8%) fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for RLS. The median global PSQI score of the RLS group was significantly higher than the non-RLS group (9 vs 5, P < 0.01). The number of poor sleepers (global PSQI score, >5) in the RLS group was significantly higher than in the non-RLS group (P < 0.05). In SF-36, the mental component summary score of the RLS group was 43.8 ± 10.8, which was significantly lower than the non-RSL group (49.8 ± 10.5; P < 0.05). Conclusion: This is the first report that clarifies the prevalence of RLS in Japanese chronic liver disease patients. RLS worsens quality of sleep and life in chronic liver disease patients.     

Relationship between hepatic blood flow,liver tests,haemodynamic values and clinical characteristics in patients with chronic liver disease*

Although hepatic blood flow (HBF) has been measured in patients with liver disease for many years, the results of these studies have not provided clear information concerning the usefulness of this measurement. Hepatic blood flow was measured in 392 patients with either cirrhosis (n= 356) or hepatic fibrosis (n= 36). The control group included 59 subjects with normal liver architecture. Hepatic clearance of indocyanine green (ICG) was markedly reduced in patients with cirrhosis and hepatic fibrosis compared with controls (182±5, 276±22 and 421±25 mL/min, respectively). In patients with cirrhosis, ICG clearance and extraction were significantly correlated, but were not correlated to HBF. Although HBF did not differ between patients with cirrhosis and controls (1.26±0.04 vs 1.35±0.07 L/min, respectively), patients with hepatic fibrosis had lower HBF (1.04±0.07 L/min; P< 0.05). In patients with cirrhosis, no correlation was observed between HBF and cardiac output, mean arterial pressure, azygos blood flow, the hepatic venous pressure gradient or Pugh's score. However, a significant difference in HBF was observed in patients with and without hepatic encephalopathy (1.00±0.09 vs 1.28±0.03 L/min, respectively; P<0.05). In conclusion, the present study shows that, in patients with cirrhosis, HBF is normal and is not related to other haemodynamic values or liver tests. These results discourage the measurement of HBF in the evaluation of patients with cirrhosis.     

Symptoms of Daytime Sleepiness and Sleep Apnea in Liver Cirrhosis Patients

Background/proposeSleep disturbance and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) have been reported in patients with hepatic cirrhosis with no hepatic encephalopathy (HE). The objective of this study was to evaluate daytime sleepiness and risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among liver cirrhosis patients.Material and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC)-Riyadh over a period of six months, using a structured questionnaire that investigated: 1) Sleep patterns and daytime sleepiness using the Epworth Sleeping Scale (ESS), and 2) The risk for sleep apnea using the Berlin Questionnaire (BQ). We enrolled patients with a confirmed diagnosis of liver cirrhosis who were being followed at the hepatology and preliver transplant clinics. Results. We enrolled 200 patients with liver cirrhosis, 57.5% of whom were male. The mean age was 60 (± SD 12.2). The reported prevalence of EDS, OSA, and both EDS and OSA were 29.5%, 42.9%, and 13.6%, respectively. The prevalence of EDS was higher in patients with Hepatitis-C and patients with DM, who experienced short sleep duration. We did not find any association between the severity of liver disease and EDS or OSA as measured by Child-Pugh scores (CPS). Conclusions. The risk of OSA and EDS is high among liver cirrhosis patients. Those patients with cirrhosis secondary to Hepatitis C are at higher risk of EDS and OSA. Both EDS and OSA affect patients designated as CPS Class A more frequently than patients designated as CPS Class B.     

Functional Health Status Late after Surgical Correction of Aortic Coarctation

Objectives. To investigate functional health status among adults previously operated for aortic coarctation (CoA) compared with healthy subjects; to assess the influence of medication and exercise capacity on patients' functional health. Design. Questionnaire‐based investigation among 119 patients who underwent surgical repair of CoA during 1965–1985 and 36 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy subjects using the SF‐36 health survey. Original scores were transformed into norm‐based scores, and summary scale scores were calculated. Exercise capacity was measured by symptom‐limited bicycle ergometer testing. Setting. Tertiary referral center. Patients. Among 156 current survivors, 119 (74 males) participated in the study. Median age (range) at repair was 11 (0.1–40) years and 44 (26–72) years at follow‐up. Outcome Measures. Comparison of all components of SF‐36 survey between patients and controls, as well as within patients regarding use of cardiovascular medication and exercise capacity. Results. Norm‐based physical functioning scores were significantly lower among patients compared with controls (51.8 ± 7.1 vs. 54.3 ± 4.7, P < 0.05). Patients using antihypertensive medication scored significantly lower in all physical categories (physical component summary= 48.9 ± 10.4 vs. 54.9 ± 4.9, P < 0.05) as well as in vitality (46.4 ± 10.5 vs. 51.4 ± 10.4, P < 0.05). Patients with reduced exercise capacity scored significantly lower in several mental and physical categories compared with patients with normal exercise capacity (physical component summary= 49.7 ± 10.7 vs. 54.0 ± 6.2, P < 0.05; mental component summary= 44.9 ± 14.6 vs. 50.1 ± 10.0, P < 0.05). Conclusion. Functional health status in patients late after CoA repair is only slightly impaired when compared with controls. However, the subgroup with reduced exercise capacity and need for cardiovascular medications have significant impairment on both physical and mental aspects of functional health.     

Excessive daytime sleepiness and hepatic encephalopathy: it is worth asking

The relationship between hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and the sleep-wake disturbances exhibited by patients with cirrhosis remains debated. The aim of this study was to examine the usefulness of sleep-wake interview within the context of HE assessment. One-hundred-and-six cirrhotic patients were asked three yes/no questions investigating the presence of difficulty falling asleep, night awakenings and daytime sleepiness. All underwent formal HE assessment, quantitative electroencephalography and standardised psychometry. Fifty-eight were monitored for 8?±?6 months in relation to the occurrence of HE. Patients complaining of daytime sleepiness (n?=?75, 71 %) had slower EEGs than those who did not report it (relative alpha power: 37?±?19 vs. 48?±?17 %, p?<?0.05). In addition, daytime sleepiness was associated with the presence of portal-systemic shunt (79 vs. 57 %, p?<?0.05) and HE history (72 vs. 45 %, p?<?0.05). Finally, the absence of excessive daytime sleepiness had a Negative Predictive Value of 92 % (64–100) in relation to the development of HE during the follow-up period. These data support the appropriateness of adding a yes/no question on the presence of excessive daytime sleepiness to routine assessment of patients with cirrhosis, to help identify those who do not need further, formal HE screening.     

The effect of melatonin, magnesium, and zinc on primary insomnia in long-term care facility residents in Italy: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether nightly administration of melatonin, magnesium, and zinc improves primary insomnia in long‐term care facility residents. DESIGN: Double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. SETTING: One long‐term care facility in Pavia, Italy. PARTICIPANTS: Forty‐three participants with primary insomnia (22 in the supplemented group, 21 in the placebo group) aged 78.3±3.9. INTERVENTION: Participants took a food supplement (5 mg melatonin, 225 mg magnesium, and 11.25 mg zinc, mixed with 100 g of pear pulp) or placebo (100 g pear pulp) every day for 8 weeks, 1 hour before bedtime. MEASUREMENTS: The primary goal was to evaluate sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire (LSEQ), the Short Insomnia Questionnaire (SDQ), and a validated quality‐of‐life instrument (Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short Form Survey (SF‐36)) were administered as secondary end points. Total sleep time was evaluated using a wearable armband‐shaped sensor. All measures were performed at baseline and after 60 days. RESULTS: The food supplement resulted in considerably better overall PSQI scores than placebo (difference between groups in change from baseline PSQI score=6.8; 95% confidence interval=5.4–8.3, P<.001). Moreover, the significant improvements in all four domains of the LSEQ (ease of getting to sleep, P<.001; quality of sleep, P<.001; hangover on awakening from sleep, P=.005; alertness and behavioral integrity the following morning, P=.001), in SDQ score (P<.001), in total sleep time (P<.001), and in SF‐36 physical score (P=.006) suggest that treatment had a beneficial effect on the restorative value of sleep. CONCLUSION: The administration of nightly melatonin, magnesium, and zinc appears to improve the quality of sleep and the quality of life in long‐term care facility residents with primary insomnia.     

A non-invasive method for evaluating cirrhotic portal hypertension by administration of 99mTc-MIBI per rectum

Abstract A study was performed to evaluate radio-isotopic imaging using technetium-99m hexakis 2-meth-oxyisobutyl isonitrile administered per rectum to assess portal collateral circulation. The heart-liver ratios (H/L; mean ± standard deviation) in 15 controls, 13 cases of histologically confirmed viral hepatitis and 57 cirrhosis patients were 0.27 ± 0.11, 0.43 ± 0.14 and 1.00 ± 0.28, respectively (P < 0.001). Among the cirrhosis patients those with the Child-Pugh classification A, B and C had H/L of 0.56 ± 0.14, 1.00 ± 0.20 and 1.19 ± 0.26, respectively (P < 0.001). A high value of H/L was associated with a high risk of hepatic encephalopathy (1.25 ± 0.17, P < 0.01) and oesophageal varices (1.02 ± 0.20, P < 0.01). There were associations between H/L and serum bilirubin (P < 0.01), albumin (P < 0.05) and prothrombin time (P < 0.05). The results also showed a good correlation between H/L and portal vein pressure measured during operation in 13 patients (P < 0.001, r= 0.87). The regression equation: y= 6.77 + 32.5 H/L, allowed portal vein pressure to be estimated. The prognostic value of the test was supported by the fact that good correlations were observed between the H/L ratio and widely accepted prognostic classification (Child-Pugh). It is suggested that this new method could be a reliable non-invasive way to give an indication of the degree of portasystemic shunting to evaluate the prognosis and to follow up the effects of medications for reducing portal hypertension in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension.     

Physical function and health‐related quality of life of Spanish patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Objective

To determine the physical function and the quality of life (QOL) of Spanish patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and to study the reliability of the Spanish version of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI).

Methods

Clinimetric variables, including Spanish BASFI (test‐retest), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), QOL instruments (Short Form 36 [SF‐36] and European Quality of Life Questionnaire [EuroQol]), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), and chest expansion, were assessed.

Results

A total of 92 patients were included: 69 males (75%), age (mean ± SD) 40.7 ± 9.1 years, and disease duration 11 ± 7.8 years. The scores (mean ± SD) were (from 0 the best to 10 the worst): BASFI 4.3 ± 2.4; BASDAI 4.5 ± 2.2; global SF‐36 5.5 ± 2.1; SF‐36 physical function 3.8 ± 2.5; SF‐36 physical scale 4.9 ± 2.7; SF‐36 mental scale 3.7 ± 2.7; SF‐36 physical role limitations 5.6 ± 4.4; SF‐36 general health 5.5 ± 2.1; SF‐36 pain 5.4 ±2.8; SF‐36 vitality 5.1 ± 2; EuroQoL rating scale 3.9±2.1; EuroQol health profile (from 0 the best to 2 the worst) 0.6 ± 0.4; and BASMI 4.7 ± 1.6. Significant association was found between BASFI and SF‐36 physical function domain (r = 0.75, R² = 0.56, P < 0.0001). BASFI Cronbach's alpha was 0.92, Spearman's rho = 0.91, P < 0.0001.

Conclusions

Physical function and QOL are deteriorated in AS. The physical domain is more impaired than the mental one. The SF‐36 and the health profile of the EuroQol may be used as generic instruments to measure health‐related QOL. Spanish BASFI index is a reliable instrument.

     

Relevance of sleep disturbance to the integrity and characteristics of secondary peristalsis in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Objective: Sleep disturbance is common in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Secondary peristalsis is important for clearance of the refluxate from the esophagus. We aimed to test the hypothesis whether secondary peristalsis is impaired in GERD patients with sleep disturbance.

Methods: Secondary peristalsis was stimulated with slow and rapid air injections into mid-esophagus in 8 age-matched health controls and 41 patients with GERD. Sleep disturbance was assessed by the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Objective sleep measures were assessed by ambulatory actigraphy.

Results: The threshold volume for inducing secondary peristalsis during slow air injection was significantly higher in GERD patients with sleep disturbance than healthy controls (14.3?±?1.2 vs. 8.9?±?0.5?mL, p?<?.05). GERD patients with sleep disturbance had higher threshold volume of secondary peristalsis during rapid air injection than GERD patients without sleep disturbance (5.1?±?0.4 vs. 3.9?±?0.2?mL, p?<?.05) and healthy controls (5.1?±?0.4 vs. 3.6?±?0.2?mL, p?<?.05). There was a negative correlation between PSQI score and peristaltic frequency during rapid air injection (r?=??.39, p?=?.01). Secondary peristaltic amplitude during rapid air injection was negatively correlated with wake after sleep onset (r?=??.34, p?=?.04).

Conclusions: Sleep disturbance is associated with secondary peristaltic response to distension-induced esophageal stimulation in patients with GERD. Our study suggests that sleep disturbance per se may adversely influence the effectiveness of esophageal peristalsis and bolus clearance during sleep in patients with GERD.     

Subjective sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in a large sample of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterised by incapacitating fatigue in combination with a number of minor criteria, including unrefreshing sleep without further specifications, in the absence of psychiatric and internal disease. As little data exist on subjective sleep quality and daytime sleepiness, these parameters were assessed in a large sample of CFS patients. Consecutive patients with a diagnosis of CFS in a tertiary referral centre filled out the Fatigue Questionnaire (FQ), Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (MOS SF-36), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Inclusion comprised 415 individuals (mean age 40.5 yr, SD 7.9, range 18-64; 86% female). Mean FQ (26.90; SD 4.04), mean Global Physical Health from the MOS SF-36 (29.30; SD 12.25) and Global Mental Health from the MOS SF-36 (49.62; SD 18.31) scores corresponded with literature data for similar CFS samples. High mean ESS (10.51; SD 5.52) and global PSQI (10.17; SD 4.02) were observed. No significant relationship was found between ESS and global PSQI. In contrast, regression analysis demonstrated a significant cubic relation between ESS and 'PSQI without daytime dysfunction'. A subgroup (n=69) with an insomnia-like phenotype low ESS (<5), high PSQI (mean 11.51; SD 3.86) was observed. The assessment of subjective sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in a large sample of CFS patients indicated high mean PSQI and ESS values. ESS and 'PSQI without daytime dysfunction' were inversely related at the spectral ends of ESS. A distinct subgroup with clinical features of insomnia was identified.     

Prevalence of subclinical hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis determined by psychometric tests

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of subclinical hepatic encephalopathy (SHE) in patients with stable hepatic cirrhosis. METHODS: One hundred and seventy‐five consecutive cirrhotic patients (mean age 53 years, range 27?72 years) without overt clinical encephalopathy were screened for SHE using the number connection test (NCT) part A and symbol digit test (SDT). Subclinical hepatic encephalopathy was defined as the presence of at least one abnormal psychometric test. The age‐corrected normal value was defined as the mean ± 2SD obtained from 356 subjects without liver disease and in normal mental condition. Illiterate patients and patients with concurrent use of alcohol or psychotropic drugs, and those with previous portosystemic shunt and were excluded. RESULTS: In different age subgroups, the NCT scores and SDT quotients for cirrhotic patients were significantly different compared with those for controls (P < 0.05?0.001). Fifty patients (28.6%) were found to be abnormal in both the NCT and SDT, 16 (9.1%) patients were abnormal only in the SDT and 34 patients (19.4%) only in the NCT. Taken together, SHE was diagnosed in 100 patients (57.1%) by using the two tests. The prevalence of SHE increased from 46.8% and 53.0% in Child?Pugh grades A and B, to 76.6% in Child?Pugh grade C (P < 0.05). No significant correlation was found between the development of SHE and the etiology of cirrhosis, patient age and smoking habit. CONCLUSION: By using a combination of NCT and SDT, SHE was diagnosed in 57.1% of cirrhotic patients without overt clinical encephalopathy. The prevalence of SHE was significantly correlated with the severity of liver cirrhosis.     

Neuropsychological impairment in severe acute viral hepatitis is due to minimal hepatic encephalopathy

Background and Aims: Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) in patients with liver cirrhosis may have prognostic significance with regard to the development of clinical hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and deterioration in patient quality of life. Its prevalence in acute viral hepatitis (AVH) is not known. Patients and Methods: Consecutive 20 AVH patients (age, 29.9±7.9 years; M:F 18:2, hepatitis A:B:E: 2:16:2) without overt encephalopathy were evaluated for MHE and followed up. All patients underwent number connection tests – A and B, figure connection tests – A and B, digit symbol test and object assembly test and critical flicker frequency (CFF) at baseline and after the resolution of icterus. MHE was diagnosed if two or more psychometric tests were abnormal. Results: Prevalence of MHE (n=5) was 25%, which resolved on follow‐up during the anicteric resolution phase. Five (25%) patients had greater than two abnormal psychometry tests and four (20%) had CFF <38 Hz. CFF alone had sensitivity and specificity of 80 and 100%, respectively, in the diagnosis of MHE. There was significant difference in the performance of CFF during the icteric and resolution phase of AVH (40.6±3.4 vs 41.8±2.1 Hz, P=0.04). Arterial ammonia level were higher in patients with MHE compared with patients without MHE (88.2±23.5 vs 53.8±10.9 μmol/L, P=0.001). On univariate analysis fasting ammonia level at baseline was significantly associated with all the psychometric tests (P=0.001). None of the patients developed HE either in MHE group or in those who did not had MHE at baseline. Conclusions: MHE occurs in 25% of patients with AVH and resolves on follow up with recovery of AVH. Raised arterial ammonia during the icteric phase is associated with development of MHE.     

Sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnea using hypopneas defined by a 3% oxygen desaturation or arousal but not by 4% or greater oxygen desaturation

Study objectives

This analysis determined the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with hypopneas defined by a 3% O₂ desaturation or arousal (3%A), but not by a hypopnea criterion of?≥?4% (4%), and subjective sleepiness.

Methods

Data were analyzed from Sleep Heart Health Study participants who had polysomnography (N?=?6307) regarding OSA and subjective sleepiness scores (Epworth Sleepiness Scale, ESS). The apnea hypopnea index (AHI) was classified based on 3% only, 3%A only, and 4% definitions of hypopneas.

Results

Of the 3326 participants without 4% OSA, 67.6% (n?=?2247) had 3%A only OSA. The ESS score was higher in 3%A only OSA than in those without OSA (7.44?±?4.2 vs 7.07?±?4.3, P?=?0.02). Of those without 4% OSA, 40.2% (n?=?1336) had 3% only OSA. The ESS score was higher in those with 3% only OSA than those with no OSA (7.72?±?4.3 vs 7.05?±?4.2, P?<?0.001). A linear regression model demonstrated a trend towards significance for the 3%A only AHI as an independent predictor of ESS when controlled for age, BMI, and sex (P?=?0.051). The association of 3% only AHI with the ESS was stronger (P?=?0.003). However, 23.3% of the participants with hypersomnia would not qualify as having OSA if arousals were excluded from the definition of OSA.

Conclusion

The current study found that the presence and severity of OSA is associated with higher ESS scores in persons with 3%A only OSA. Hence, the use of the 4% hypopnea definition will result in the failure to identify and treat a significant number of individuals with OSA who have subjective sleepiness.