A Wake-up Call for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Providers: Obstructive Sleep Apnea in People Living With HIV

Clinically recognized sleep disorders in people living with HIV

OBJECTIVE

Despite recognition that people with HIV (PWH) are more vulnerable to sleep issues, there is limited understanding of clinically recognized sleep disorders in this population. Our objective was to evaluate the full spectrum of sleep disorder types diagnosed among PWH in care.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of PWH, and a comparator group of people without HIV (PWoH), in a large healthcare system. The incidence of clinically diagnosed sleep disorders was calculated using Poisson regression for three outcomes: any type of sleep disorder, insomnia, and sleep apnea. Incidence was compared between PWH and PWoH by computing the adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR), accounting for sleep disorder risk factors. Comparisons to PWoH were made for all PWH combined, then with PWH stratified by HIV management status (well-managed HIV defined as being on antiretroviral therapy, HIV RNA <200 copies/mL, and CD4 count ≥500 cells/μL).

RESULTS

The study included 9076 PWH and 205 178 PWoH (mean age 46 years, 90% men). Compared with PWoH, sleep disorder incidence was greater among PWH overall [aIRR = 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12-1.26], particularly for insomnia (aIRR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.45-1.67). Sleep apnea incidence was lower among PWH (aIRR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.84-0.97). In HIV management subgroups, PWH without well-managed HIV had lower sleep apnea incidence (vs. PWoH: aIRR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.70-0.89) but PWH with well-managed HIV did not (vs. PWoH: aIRR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.89-1.06).

CONCLUSIONS

PWH have high sleep disorder incidence, and insomnia is the most common clinical diagnosis. Lower sleep apnea incidence among PWH may reflect underdiagnosis in those with sub-optimally treated HIV and will be important to investigate further.

Sleep, Sleep Apnea, and Fatigue in People Living With HIV

BACKGROUND

People living with HIV (PLWH) often report fatigue even when viral load is suppressed. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is often associated with fatigue, is common in PLWH, but whether OSA explains fatigue in this population is unknown.

SETTING

Academic university-affiliated HIV and Sleep Medicine Clinics.

METHODS

PLWH, aged 18-65 years, with a body mass index of 20-35 kg/m2 and viral suppression (RNA <200 copies per mL), were recruited to undergo daytime questionnaires, including the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue Scale and Epworth Sleepiness Scale, 7 days of actigraphy (to determine daily sleep duration and activity amplitude and rhythms), and an in-laboratory polysomnography to assess for the presence and severity of OSA.

RESULTS

Of 120 subjects with evaluable data, 90 (75%) had OSA using the American Academy of Sleep Medicine 3% desaturation or arousal criteria, with an apnea-hypopnea index >5/h. There was no difference in Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy scores between those with and without OSA, although those with OSA did report more daytime sleepiness as measured using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. In a multivariable model, predictors of fatigue included more variable daily sleep durations and decreased mean activity counts. Sleepiness was predicted by the presence of OSA.

CONCLUSION

OSA was very common in our cohort of PLWH, with those with OSA reporting more sleepiness but not more fatigue. Variability in sleep duration was associated with increased fatigue. Further study is needed to determine if treatment of OSA, or an emphasis on sleep consistency and timing, improves symptoms of fatigue in PLWH.

Weight Gain After HIV Therapy Initiation: Pathophysiology and Implications

Rapid advances in the potency, safety, and availability of modern HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) have yielded a near-normal life expectancy for most people living with HIV (PLWH). Ironically, considering the history of HIV/AIDS (initially called "slim disease" because of associated weight loss), the latest dilemma faced by many people starting HIV therapy is weight gain and obesity, particularly Black people, women, and those who commenced treatment with advanced immunodeficiency. We review the pathophysiology and implications of weight gain among PLWH on ART and discuss why this phenomenon was recognized only recently, despite the availability of effective therapy for nearly 30 years. We comprehensively explore the theories of the causes, from initial speculation that weight gain was simply a return to health for people recovering from wasting to comparative effects of newer regimens vs prior toxic agents, to direct effects of agents on mitochondrial function. We then discuss the implications of weight gain on modern ART, particularly concomitant effects on lipids, glucose metabolism, and inflammatory markers. Finally, we discuss intervention options for PLWH and obesity, from the limitations of switching ART regimens or specific agents within regimens, weight-gain mitigation strategies, and potential hope in access to emerging antiobesity agents, which are yet to be evaluated in this population.

Shorter total sleep time is associated with lower CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratios in virally suppressed men with HIV

Study Objectives

Although poor sleep quality is associated with lower CD4+ T cell counts among people living with HIV (PLWH), the association between objective sleep metrics and T lymphocyte subset counts is unknown. We evaluated the association between polysomnography (PSG) derived sleep metrics and T lymphocyte subpopulations in a cohort of men living with HIV.

Methods

Virally suppressed men living with HIV participating in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study underwent home overnight PSG. We assessed the association of PSG parameters with CD4+ and CD8+ T cell counts and the CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio.

Results

Overall, 289 men with mean (±SD) age 55.3 ± 11.3 years and mean CD4+ T cell count 730 ± 308 cells/mm3 were evaluated. Total sleep time (TST) was significantly associated with CD8+ but not CD4+ T cell counts. After adjusting for age, race, depressive symptoms, antidepressant use, and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors use, every hour of shorter TST was associated with an additional 33 circulating CD8+ T cells/mm3 (p = 0.05) and a 5.6% (p = 0.0007) decline in CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio. In adjusted models, every hour of shorter rapid eye movement (REM) sleep was associated with an additional 113 CD8+ T cells/mm3 (p = 0.02) and a 15.1% lower CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio (p = 0.006). In contrast, measures of sleep efficiency and sleep-disordered breathing were not associated with differences in T lymphocyte subpopulations.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that shorter TST and REM sleep durations are associated with differences in T lymphocyte subpopulations among men living with HIV. Addressing sleep may reflect a novel opportunity to improve immune function in PLWH.

Prevalence and Predictors of Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Men Participating in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Data on the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in people with HIV are limited. Moreover, whether the associations between SDB and age or BMI differ by HIV status is unknown.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Is SDB more prevalent in men with HIV than those without HIV, and do the predictors of SDB differ between the two groups?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Home polysomnography was used in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study to assess SDB prevalence in men with (n = 466; 92% virologically suppressed) and without (n = 370) HIV. SDB was defined using the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), using four definitions: ≥ 5 events/h based on an ODI with a 3% (ODI3) or 4% (ODI4) oxygen desaturation, or an AHI with a 3% oxygen desaturation or EEG arousal (AHI3a) or with a 4% oxygen desaturation (AHI4).

RESULTS

SDB prevalence was similar in men with and without HIV using the ODI3 and AHI3a definitions. However, SDB prevalence was higher in men with than without HIV using the ODI4 (55.9% vs 47.8%; P = .04) and the AHI4 definitions (57.9% vs 50.4%; P = .06). Mild and moderate SDB were more common in men with than without HIV. Associations between SDB prevalence and age, race, and BMI were similar in men with and without HIV. Among men with HIV, viral load, CD4 cell count, and use of antiretroviral medications were not associated with SDB prevalence.

INTERPRETATION

SDB prevalence was high overall but greater in men with than without HIV using the ODI4 threshold definition. Efforts to diagnose SDB are warranted in people with HIV, given that SDB is associated with daytime sleepiness and impaired quality of life.

Sleep Disturbances and Chronic Pain in People with HIV: Implications for HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders

Purpose of Review

Antiretroviral therapy has significantly reduced morbidity and mortality in people with HIV. Despite being virally suppressed, sleep disturbances, chronic pain, and neurocognitive impairments persist which can negatively impact quality of life for people with HIV. This article presents relevant literature related to sleep disturbances and chronic pain in people with HIV. The potential impact of these comorbidities on cognition is discussed with implications for managing HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND).

Recent Findings

People with HIV and chronic pain report greater insomnia and depressive symptoms compared to those without chronic pain. The neurotoxic effects of HIV itself and sleep and chronic pain induced inflammation can contribute to poorer cognitive outcomes.

Summary

Sleep disturbances and chronic pain are prevalent conditions in people with HIV that may perpetuate the development and exacerbation of HAND. Sleep and pain interventions may preserve cognitive function and improve quality of life for people aging with HIV.

Methods for home-based self-applied polysomnography: the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study

Study Objectives

Along with multiple chronic comorbidities, sleep disorders are prevalent in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The goal of this study was to establish methods for assessing sleep quality and breathing-related disorders using self-applied home polysomnography in people with and without HIV.

Methods

Self-applied polysomnography was conducted on 960 participants in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) using the Nox A1 recorder to collect data on the frontal electroencephalogram (EEG), bilateral electrooculograms, and a frontalis electromyogram during sleep. Breathing patterns were characterized using respiratory inductance plethysmography bands and pulse oximetry. Continuous recordings of the electrocardiogram were also obtained. All studies were scored centrally for sleep stages and disordered breathing events.

Results

Successful home polysomnography was obtained in 807 of 960 participants on the first attempt and 44 participants on the second. Thus, a successful polysomnogram was obtained in 851 (88.6%) of the participants. Reasons for an unsuccessful study included less than 3 h of data on oximetry (34.6%), EEG (28.4%), respiratory inductance plethysmography (21.0%), or two or more of these combined (16.0%). Of the successful studies (N = 851), signal quality was rated as good, very good, or excellent in 810 (95.2%). No temporal trends in study quality were noted. Independent correlates of an unsuccessful study included black race, current smoking, and cocaine use.

Conclusions

Home polysomnography was successfully completed in the MACS demonstrating its feasibility in a community cohort. Given the burden of in-lab polysomnography, the methods described herein provide a cost-effective alternative for collecting sleep data in the home.

Pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea in people living with HIV

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH), and it might contribute to frequently reported symptoms and comorbidities. Traditional risk factors for OSA are often absent in PLWH, suggesting that HIV or HIV medications might predispose to OSA. Therefore, we measured the anatomical and nonanatomical traits important for OSA pathogenesis in those with and without HIV. We recruited virally suppressed PLWH who had been previously diagnosed with OSA (PLWH + OSA) adherent to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, along with age-, sex-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched OSA controls. All participants underwent a baseline polysomnogram to assess OSA severity and a second overnight research sleep study during which the airway pressure was adjusted slowly or rapidly to measure the OSA traits. Seventeen PLWH + OSA and 17 OSA control participants were studied [median age = 58 (IQR = 54-65) yr, BMI = 30.7 (28.4-31.8) kg/m2, apnea-hypopnea index = 46 (24-74)/h]. The groups were similar, although PLWH + OSA demonstrated greater sleepiness (despite PAP) and worse sleep efficiency on baseline polysomnography. On physiological testing during sleep, there were no statistically significant differences in OSA traits (including Veupnea, Varousal, Vpassive, Vactive, and loop gain) between PLWH + OSA and OSA controls, using mixed-effects modeling to account for age, sex, and BMI and incorporating each repeated measurement (range = 72-334 measures/trait). Our data suggest that well-treated HIV does not substantially impact the pathogenesis of OSA. Given similar underlying physiology, existing available therapeutic approaches are likely to be adequate to manage OSA in PLWH, which might improve symptoms and comorbidities.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Clinical data suggest an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in people living with HIV (PLWH), while OSA might account for chronic health issues in this population. We characterized the anatomical and nonanatomical OSA traits in PLWH + OSA compared with OSA controls, using detailed physiological measurements obtained during sleep. Our data suggest against a major impact of HIV on OSA pathogenesis. Available OSA management strategies should be effective to address this potentially important comorbidity in PLWH.

Impact of obstructive sleep apnea on cardiometabolic health in a random sample of older adults in rural South Africa: building the case for the treatment of sleep disorders in underresourced settings

STUDY OBJECTIVES

The association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and increased cardiometabolic risk (CMR) has been well documented in higher-income countries. However, OSA and its association with CMR have not yet been investigated, based on objective measures, in southern Africa. We measured polysomnography-derived sleep characteristics, OSA prevalence, and its association with cardiometabolic diseases in a rural, low-income, African-ancestry sample of older adult participants in South Africa.

METHODS

Seventy-five participants completed the study. Body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and HIV status were determined. A continuous CMR score was calculated using waist circumference, random glucose, high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and mean arterial blood pressure. Sleep architecture, arousal index, and apnea-hypopnea index for detection of the OSA (apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 15 events/h) were assessed by home-based polysomnography. Associations between CMR score and age, sex, socioeconomic status, apnea-hypopnea index, and total sleep time were investigated by multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

In our sample (53 women, age 66.1 ± 10.7 years, 12 HIV+), 60.7% of participants were overweight/obese, 61.3% were hypertensive, and 29.3% had undiagnosed OSA. Being older (P = .02) and having a higher body mass index (P = .02) and higher waist circumference (P < .01) were associated with OSA. Apnea-hypopnea index severity (β = 0.011; P = .01) and being a woman (β = 0.369; P = .01) were independently associated with a higher CMR score in socioeconomic status- and age-adjusted analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

In this South African community with older adults with obesity and hypertension, OSA prevalence is alarming and associated with CMR. We show the feasibility of detecting OSA in a rural setting using polysomnography. Our results highlight the necessity for actively promoting health education and systematic screening and treatment of OSA in this population to prevent future cardiovascular morbidity, especially among women.

Insomnia, Health, and Health-related Quality of Life in an Urban Clinic Sample of People Living with HIV/AIDS

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND

Insomnia is a prevalent and interfering comorbidity of HIV infection. Nearly 70% of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) experience symptoms of insomnia and associated distress. The current study examined the mechanisms of insomnia in HIV health status and health-related quality of life and explored behavioral pathways to explain relationships.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants (N = 103) were active patients in an HIV clinic located within a nonprofit, tertiary care hospital in a large, urban city in the Southeast United States.

METHODS

Participants completed a clinical sleep interview and self-report assessments for adherence to antiretroviral medication, depression (PHQ-9), quality of life (ACTG-QOL), and relevant covariates. Viral load and CD4 were obtained via medical chart review.

RESULTS

Insomnia affected 67% of the clinic sample. Insomnia symptoms were directly associated with poorer health-related quality of life (p<.001). Greater insomnia symptoms were also significantly associated with greater depressive symptoms [b =.495, S.E. =.061], poorer medication adherence [b = -.912, S.E. =.292], and worse health status measured by absolute CD4 count [b = -.011, S.E. =.005].

CONCLUSIONS

In this sample of PLWHA, insomnia was associated with poorer health-related quality of life and worse health status. Future research and practice should consider insomnia treatment for this population, as it could improve overall health and well-being.

High sleep-related breathing disorders among HIV-infected patients with sleep complaints

BACKGROUND

Sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) not only adversely impact cardiovascular and pulmonary functions but also reduce the quality of life. This study attempted to investigate the severity and related factors of SRBD among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected people with sleep complaints.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV-infected people with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) values above 5 points. SRBDs were defined as Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) over 5 events/hour by full channel home-based polysomnography (PSG). An AHI greater than 30 was categorized as moderate to severe apnea. All of the participants were asked to rate the severity of their snoring, complete a snore outcomes survey (SOS) and complete the PSQI. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the associated factors of severity of SRBD among HIV-infected people.

RESULTS

Of 54 male HIV-positive patients with sleep complaints, 34 subjects (62.96%) were diagnosed with SRBDs, and 29.63% were categorized as having moderate to severe SRBD. SOS score was significantly associated with HIV patients with moderate to severe SRBD (adjusted odds ratio = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.87-1.00, p = 0.045).

CONCLUSIONS

SRBDs is highly prevalent in male HIV-infected people with sleep complaints. Intensive snoring was one of the indicators associated with the occurrence of moderate to severe SRBDs among HIV-infected people. Healthcare professionals should include snoring screening in the regular course of clinical HIV care.

Knowledge, practice and correlates of sleep hygiene among people living with HIV/AIDS attending anti-retroviral therapy at Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Background

Sleep hygiene is a series of behavioral practices that can be performed by individuals with sleep complaints to prevent or reverse sleep difficulties. The feasibility, cost-effectiveness, absence of side effects and immediate responses to sleep problems make sleep hygiene practices more applicable than other treatment options for people living with HIV/AIDS. However, there is no evidence regarding sleep hygiene awareness and its practice in people with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, practice and correlates of sleep hygiene among adults attending outpatient anti-retroviral treatment at Zewditu Memorial Hospital.

Methods

This was an institutional based cross-sectional study conducted from 1st of May to 16th of June 2018 amongst people attending anti-retroviral therapy follow-up at Zewditu Memorial Hospital. Systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit a total of 396 study participants. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaire. The Sleep Hygiene Index was used to measure the level of sleep hygiene of study participants. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with sleep hygiene practice. In the multi-variable analysis, variables with P-values of less than 0.05 were considered as significant correlates of sleep hygiene practice with 95% confidence interval.

Results

The findings of this study showed that there are limitations regarding the knowledge and practice of sleep hygiene of people with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia. None of the participants attended training regarding sleep hygiene. More than half (51.3%) had poor sleep hygiene practice. Female sex [AOR = 5.80:95% CI (3.12, 10.7)], being single [AOR =2.29:95% CI (0.13, 9.51)], depression [AOR = 2.93: 95% CI (1.73, 4.96)] and current khat use [AOR = 3.30; 95% CI (1.67, 6.50)] were identified as statistically significant correlates of poor sleep hygiene practice.

Conclusions

Knowledge regarding sleep hygiene is poor, and its practices are incorrect amongst people living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia. These findings demonstrate a need for professionals to play a major role in addressing this problem by integrating sleep hygiene as an added treatment modality to the HIV/AIDS care service. Designing training programs and awareness creation strategies for people with HIV/AIDS to improve their sleep hygiene practice is also highly recommended.

Effect of the duration of protease inhibitor therapy in HIV-infected individuals on the severity of obstructive sleep apnea

Background

Protease inhibitors (PIs) are a vital part of the antiretroviral therapy. Long-term use of PIs may cause lipodystrophy, a clinical syndrome characterized by peripheral lipoatrophy and central fat accumulation, which may increase the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in HIV-infected patients. We hypothesize that a longer duration of PIs' use might be associated with increasing severity of OSA in HIV-infected patients.

Materials and Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of HIV-infected patients who were treated with PIs, who presented with symptoms suggestive of OSA, and underwent nocturnal polysomnography. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the association between the duration of PIs' use and the severity of OSA. The duration of PIs' use measured in months was recorded for each patient. The primary outcome of interest was the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) obtained at the time of the sleep study. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate linear regression between AHIs with PIs' use as well as other predictors.

Results

A total of 54 patients diagnosed with HIV and OSA were included in the study cohort for the analysis. Sleep study body mass index (BMI; P = 0.042) and change in BMI (ΔBMI; P = 0.027) were the only statistically significant independent predictors of AHI. The association between AHI and PIs' use duration was found to be nonlinear and nonsignificant. Gender differences evaluation suggested possible duration-related effect relationship between PIs and OSA severity among HIV-infected men exposed to PIs within a 66-month duration.

Conclusion

We did not observe a significant association between PIs' use duration and the severity of OSA.

Obstructive sleep apnea among HIV-infected men in the highly active antiretroviral therapy era: a nation-wide longitudinal cohort study in Taiwan, 2000-2011

OBJECTIVES

This study compared the incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) between HIV-infected and matched non-infected persons and aimed to determine the effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on the incidence of OSA among HIV-infected men.

METHODS

A population-based cohort design was conducted using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), which contained 13,552 HIV-infected persons and 134,361 matched age-, sex-, and index year-controls. The incidence density rates (IRR) were calculated to estimate the OSA incidence both in the HIV group and matched controls. Cox proportional hazard models were applied to assess the HAART effect on the incidence of OSA among HIV-infected men.

RESULTS

The IRR of OSA was lower in the HIV group than in the matched controls (1.91 vs. 2.26 per 1000 person-years, respectively). The associated factors for OSA in HIV-infected men were higher monthly salary (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.97, p < 0.01), obesity (aHR, 3.99, p < 0.01), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (aHR, 2.02, p < 0.01). Continued HAART at least a half year was associated with less diagnosed OSA (AHR, 0.70, p = 0.03) in HIV-infected men.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV-infected persons had a lower rate of OSA diagnosis compared to the matched controls. Healthcare providers are needed to increase awareness in HIV-infected men with sleep disorders, especially for those with low social economic status, comorbidities, and non-continuous HAART use.