Night‐time sleep disturbance does not correlate with neuropsychiatric impairment in patients with cirrhosis |
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Authors: | Sara Montagnese Benita Middleton Debra J Skene Marsha Y Morgan |
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Institution: | 1. Current address: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Padova, Italy. Department of Medicine, The Centre for Hepatology, Royal Free Campus, University College London Medical School, University College London, London, UK;2. Centre for Chronobiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK |
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Abstract: | Background: Sleep–wake disturbances are common in patients with cirrhosis and are generally attributed to the presence of hepatic encephalopathy. Aim: To determine the relationship between sleep and neuropsychiatric disturbances in patients with cirrhosis. Methods: The study population comprised 87 patients, classified as neuropsychiatrically unimpaired or as having minimal/overt hepatic encephalopathy. Nineteen healthy volunteers served as controls. Validated questionnaires were used to assess sleep quality Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI)], day‐time sleepiness Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS)] and diurnal preference. Health‐related quality of life (H‐RQoL) was assessed using the 36‐item short form health profile (SF‐36v1) and the chronic liver disease questionnaire. Results: Patients slept significantly less well than the healthy volunteers (PSQI score: 8.4 ± 4.9 vs. 4.6 ± 2.5, P<0.01) and had more pronounced day‐time sleepiness (abnormal ESS: 21 vs. 0%; χ2=3.8, P=0.05). No significant relationships were observed between sleep indices and the presence/degree of hepatic encephalopathy. H‐RQoL was significantly impaired in the patients (SF‐36v1 physical score: 36 ± 15 vs. 50 ± 10, P<0.001; SF‐36v1 mental score: 46 ± 11 vs. 50 ± 10, P<0.01); night‐time sleep disturbance was an independent predictor of poor H‐RQoL (P<0.01). Conclusions: Sleep–wake abnormalities are common in patients with cirrhosis; they significantly affect H‐RQoL but are not related to the presence of hepatic encephalopathy. |
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Keywords: | cirrhosis diurnal preference health‐related quality of life hepatic encephalopathy sleep disturbance somnolence |
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