Fibromyalgia in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients

Abstract Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and Fibromyalgia (FM) concomitantly form an extremely important association because in addition to its adverse effects on the quality of life, it contributes to the mortality rates. Studies evaluating the relationship between OSA, and FM have been conducted in very small patient groups. However, the results are controversial. In our study we aimed to investigate the prevalence of fibromyalgia in obstructive sleep apnea patients because of the similarities between the symptoms of FM and OSA. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted upon 49 patients already diagnosed with OSA. Patients were recruited from the sleep lab of chest department Ain Shams university Hospitals in the period between August 2021 and August 2022. Overnight diagnostic PSG was performed to all patients Then we tested widespread pain index (WPI) and system severity scale (sss) on patients who have OSA by PSG to diagnose FM. The following investigations were done for patients who were suspected of having secondary fibromyalgia: Hepatitis C virus antibodies, Vitamin D level, Complete blood count, Thyroid functions, C-reactive protein, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and Autoimmune markers. Results Out of 49 patients; 10.2% (5 patients) were fibromyalgia positive using WPI and SSS, and all of them had Secondary FM. The only significant negative correlation was observed between SSS score and REM latency (r: -0.370, P-value: 0.009). All other correlations were statistically non-significant. Conclusion Secondary FM among OSA patients is not uncommon. Monitoring serum Vitamin D levels in OSA patients in recommended.