Restless leg syndrome is a treatable cause of sleep disturbance and fatigue in primary biliary cirrhosis

Sleep disturbances in chronic liver disease

Sleep disturbances are common in chronic liver disease and significantly impact patient outcomes and quality of life. The severity and nature of sleep disturbances vary by liver disease etiology and severity. While there is ongoing research into the association between liver disease and sleep-wake dysfunction, the underlying pathophysiology varies and, in many cases, is poorly understood. Liver disease is associated with alterations in thermoregulation, inflammation, and physical activity, and is associated with disease-specific complications, such as HE, that may directly affect sleep. In this article, we review the relevant pathophysiologic processes, disease-specific sleep-wake disturbances, and clinical management of CLD-associated sleep-wake disturbances.

Role of hepatitis c virus in hepatocellular carcinoma and neurological disorders: an overview

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes serious issues, affecting 71 million people globally. The most common manifestations range from chronic hepatitis to liver cirrhosis, leading to hepatocellular carcinoma. Many mechanisms are known to play an important role in HCV-induced HCC. The interaction of viral proteins with host cells results in oxidative stress damage, liver inflammation, and irregularities in signaling pathways. These results in the activation of oncogenes and metabolic disturbances, liver fibrosis, and angiogenesis. Additionally, some non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and toll-like receptors have been identified and play a significant role in HCC development. This virus is also associated with impairment of the central nervous system, resulting in acute or sub-acute encephalopathy and inflammatory disorders. Neurological disorders are associated with the inflammatory responses of many cells, including microglia and astrocytes. Additionally, there are many other extrahepatic manifestations, including neurological disorders such as depression and fatigue, in 50% of infected patients. These manifestations include neuro-invasion, immune-mediated damage, neurotransmitter alterations, sensory-motor polyneuropathy, sensitivity loss, weakness of the leg, and cryoglobulinemia, which significantly results in a reduced quality of life. HCV infection may be improved using an appropriate diagnosis and direct antiviral therapy for sustained virological response. However, the success of therapy depends on the symptoms and organ damage, diagnosis, and therapeutic strategies applied. Some published reports have discussed that HCV is associated with both HCC and neurological disorders. Additionally, it has also been observed that individuals with HCC also develop neurological disorders compared with individuals with HCV alone. This review aims to provide an overview of the latest information about the relationship between HCV-induced HCC and their role in neurological disorders. Additionally, we have also discussed the progress made in the diagnosis, physio-pathological mechanisms, and strong antiviral therapies developed for HCV infection and HCC, as well as the latest advancements made in the study of the neurological disorders associated with HCV infection.

The Prevalence and Predictors of Restless Legs Syndrome in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

Introduction and aim. Sleep disorders are highly prevalent in patients with liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS), as well as its risk factors and possible predictors, in a cohort of patients with liver cirrhosis. Material and methods. We performed a cross-sectional prospective study over a period of 14 months and enrolled 69 patients with liver cirrhosis, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The cases of RLS were assessed according to the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) criteria and severity scale. Results. Out of the total number of patients, 55% fulfilled the criteria for RLS. Age, diabetes, severity of cirrhosis, serum creatinine, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and mean hemoglobin were associated with the presence of RLS. Moreover, there was a significantly higher prevalence of RLS among patients with decompensated cirrhosis. From all the risk factors introduced into the multivariate analysis, only the GFR could predict the presence of RLS. Conclusions. This research shows that patients with liver cirrhosis have a high risk of RLS. Even though there are multiple risk factors associated with RLS, only the GFR could predict its occurrence in our cohort.

Association between sleep disturbance and multidimensional frailty assessed by Frailty Index in hospitalized cirrhosis

OBJECTIVES

Both sleep disturbance and frailty are common in patients with cirrhosis, but their correlation remains elusive. We aimed to investigate whether dysregulated sleep [as estimated by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)] is independently associated with frailty and their relationship in distinct subgroups.

METHODS

In total 105 adult cirrhotic patients were recruited. The frailty phenotype was identified by a self-reported scale (Frailty Index) which demonstrates good validity and moderate performance based on our previous publication. Patients were categorized into frailty and nonfrailty groups according to a cut-point of 0.38 by Frailty Index. Multiple linear regression was performed to determine independent factors associated with frailty.

RESULTS

The median PSQI was 6.0 in the entire cohort and sleep disturbance was observed in 61 patients with cirrhosis (58.1%). Poor sleepers had a significantly higher Frailty Index than that in good sleepers (0.11 vs. 0.08; P = 0.025). In univariate analysis, PSQI score was markedly associated with the Frailty Index (β = 0.012; 95% CI, 0.006-0.018; P < 0.001), and remained significantly associated with frailty phenotype in multivariate adjustment (β = 0.010; 95% CI, 0.004-0.015; P = 0.001). The escalating PSQI scores were more prominent in frail patients, with female gender or aged 65 years and over.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor sleep quality is strongly associated with frailty in patients with cirrhosis. Given that sleep disturbance is modifiable, our data suggest that efficient interventions to mitigate frailty should incorporate strategies by reversing sleep dysfunction in cirrhotics with poor sleep quality.

Restless legs syndrome among subjects having chronic liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Sleep disturbances are commonly reported in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). Changes in quality of sleep in patients with CLD could be related to multiple factors viz., elevated levels of tryptophan, histamine, and increased turnover of dopamine in caudate-putamen and cingulate cortex. Also, iron metabolism disturbances are reported in patients with CLD. These changes may result in restless legs syndrome (RLS) that worsens sleep-quality. There have been reports suggesting an increased prevalence of RLS among patients with CLD. Literature was searched in PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. A total of twenty-two relevant articles were found. Out of these, nine studies have assessed the prevalence of RLS among patients with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis in the clinical population. Population prevalence reported from various studies was used to calculate odds ratio. Having included studies using various methods for diagnosis (clinical as well as questionnaires) pooled odds-ratio for the RLS was 8.62. It remains unaffected by study-method, gender, age, and geographical-area. However, studies using clinical diagnosis for RLS had lower odds compared to questionnaire based diagnosis. Studies varied with regards to diagnostic methods, age, gender, etiology, and severity of liver dysfunction. The severity and etiology of CLD and biochemical correlate of CLD were not found to be associated with RLS. Possible pathophysiological mechanisms are discussed for the occurrence of RLS in this population. In conclusion, the prevalence of RLS is higher among patients with CLD, however, the correlates are unknown.

Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Daytime Sleepiness in Patients Diagnosed with Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C Infection

Background: Poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue are common features of chronic hepatitis. Objectives: To evaluate the association between daytime sleepiness and hepatitis and to identify factors that contribute to daytime sleepiness in patients with hepatitis B and those with hepatitis C. Methods: In this prospective cross-sectional pilot study, outpatients with fatigue who did not receive any treatment for hepatitis were recruited from the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and were classified into 5 groups of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis B + C, other hepatitis types, and without hepatitis (controls). Gastroesophageal reflux and daytime sleepiness were determined based on two self-reported questionnaires, and linear and logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: In total 42 subjects had hepatitis B, 62 had hepatitis C, 9 had hepatitis B + C, 4 had other hepatitis types, and 14 had no hepatitis. Of them, 38 (29.01%) had gastroesophageal reflux (GERDQ score ≥ 12), and 13 (9.92%) had daytime sleepiness (ESS score ≥ 8). Hepatitis B patients with gastroesophageal reflux had significantly higher odds of daytime sleepiness [odds ratio (OR) = 12.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.59 - 261.02]. In hepatitis C patients, hypertension was significantly associated with daytime sleepiness (OR = 15.6, 95% CI = 2.13 - 143.21), while those with taller body height and elevated serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) levels had significantly lower odds of daytime sleepiness (body height: OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.65 - 0.93; GOT: OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.55 - 0.95). Conclusions: Gastroesophageal reflux is a risk factor for daytime sleepiness in hepatitis B patients. In hepatitis C patients, hypertension is a risk factor, while taller body height and elevated serum GOT are protective factors for daytime sleepiness.

Comprehensive Overview of Sleep Disorders in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease

The impact of sleep disorders (SDs) on patients with chronic liver diseases (CLD) is tremendous. SDs are frequently encountered among these patients and interfere with their quality of life. This review aims to present the data available so far about the prevalence, phenotypes, and proposed pathophysiological mechanisms of SDs in CLD. Moreover, we proposed to search the literature regarding the most reliable methods to assess SDs and the possible therapeutic options in patients with CLD. The main results of this review show that when it comes to prevalence, the percentages reported vary widely between studies performed among populations from the USA or Europe and those coming from Asian countries. Furthermore, it has been proven that SDs may also be present in the absence of neurocognitive disorders attributable to hepatic encephalopathy (HE), which contradicts traditional suppositions where SDs were considered part of the clinical scenario of HE. Currently, there are no specific recommendations or protocols to assess SDs in CLD patients and data about the therapeutic management are limited. Taking into consideration their impact, a protocol for diagnosing and managing SDs should be developed and included in the daily practice of hepatologists.

Frailty and Sleep Disorder in Chronic Liver Diseases

We aimed to investigate the association in frailty and sleep disorder as assessed by the Japanese version of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-J) in patients with chronic liver diseases (CLDs, n = 317, 141 males). Frailty was determined using the following five phenotypes: unintentional body weight loss, self-reported exhaustion, muscle weakness, slow walking speed, and low physical activity. Sleep disorder was defined as patients with PSQI-J score 6 or greater. Robust (phenotype, 0), prefrail (1 or 2 phenotypes) and frailty (3 phenotypes or greater) were observed in 101 (31.9%), 174 (54.9%) and 42 (13.2%), respectively. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) PSQI-J score was 4 (3, 7). Sleep disorder was found in 115 patients (36.3%). The median (IQR) PSQI-J scores in patients of the robust, prefrail, and frail groups were 3 (2, 5), 5 (3, 7), and 8 (4.75, 10.25), respectively (p < 0.0001 between any two groups and overall p < 0.0001). The ratios of sleep disorder in patients with robust, prefrail and frailty were 15.8% (16/101), 39.1% (68/174), and 73.8% (31/42), respectively (overall p < 0.0001). In conclusion, CLD patients with frailty can involve poorer sleep quality. As sleep disorder in CLDs is potentially remediable, future frailty-preventive strategies must take sleep complaints into account.

Fatigue in chronic liver disease: New insights and therapeutic approaches

The management of fatigue associated with chronic liver disease is a complex and major clinical challenge. Although fatigue can complicate many chronic diseases, it is particularly common in diseases with an inflammatory component. Fatigue can have both peripheral (i.e., neuromuscular) and central (i.e., resulting from changes in neurotransmission within the brain) causes. However, fatigue in chronic liver disease has strong social/contextual components and is often associated with behavioural alterations including depression and anxiety. Given the increasing awareness of patient-reported outcomes as important components of treatment outcomes and clinical research, there is a growing need to better understand and manage this poorly understood yet debilitating symptom. Although several pathophysiological mechanisms for explaining the development of fatigue have been generated, our understanding of fatigue in patients with chronic liver disease remains incomplete. A better understanding of the pathways and neurotransmitter systems involved may provide specific directed therapies. Currently, the management of fatigue in chronic liver disease can involve a combined use of methods to beneficially alter behavioural components and pharmacological interventions, of which several treatments have potential for the improved management of fatigue in chronic liver disease. However, evidence and consensus are lacking on the best approach and the most appropriate biochemical target(s) whilst clinical trials to address this issue have been few and limited by small sample size. In this review, we outline current understanding of the impact of fatigue and related symptoms in chronic liver disease, discuss theories of pathogenesis, and examine current and emerging approaches to its treatment.

Effect of Sarcopenia on Sleep Disturbance in Patients with Chronic Liver Diseases

We sought to investigate the influence of sarcopenia as defined by muscle strength and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) on sleep disturbance as evaluated by the Japanese version of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-J) in chronic liver diseases (CLDs) (n = 419). Muscle strength and muscle mass were determined by grip strength (GS) and SMM using bioimpedance analysis. Patients were classified into four types: type A (n = 61); decreased GS and decreased SMM; type B (n = 45); decreased GS and non-decreased SMM; type C (n = 102); non-decreased GS and decreased SMM; and type D (n = 211); non-decreased GS and non-decreased SMM. Factors associated with PSQI-J score 6 or more were examined. PSQI-J score 0–5 (normal) was found in 253 (60.4%); 6–8 (mild) in 97 (23.2%); 9–11 (moderate) in 45 (10.7%) and 12 or more (severe) in 24 (5.7%). Univariate analysis identified three factors to be significantly associated with PSQI-J score 6 or more: presence of liver cirrhosis (LC) (P = 0.0132); our classification of type A; B; C and D (P < 0.0001) and serum albumin level (P = 0.0041). Multivariate analysis showed that type A (P = 0.0021) and type B (P = 0.0220) were significant independent factors. In conclusion, sarcopenia in CLDs appears to be closely associated with sleep disturbance mainly due to muscle strength decline.

Restless legs syndrome in children with allergic rhinitis: A comparative study on frequency, severity and sleep quality

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the frequency and severity of restless legs syndrome (RLS) and its relationship with sleep quality in children with allergic rhinitis (AR) with the hypothesis that comorbid RLS may be an additional causative factor of sleep disturbances in pediatric AR.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 143 children with AR (aged 8-18 years) and 144 healthy control subjects (aged 8-18 years) were included. The diagnosis of AR was established on history, clinical examination and skin prick test according to the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma guidelines. Presence of RLS was determined using the International RLS study group (IRLSSG) criteria. The severity of RLS was assessed using the IRLSSG rating scale. Sleep quality was evaluated by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

RESULTS

Thirteen patients (9.1%) in AR group, and six children (4.2%) in control group had RLS (p=0.159). The frequency of RLS in AR group was higher than two folds when compared to the control group; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Restless legs syndrome severity score was significantly higher in AR group than control group (15.00 [11-20] and 11.00 [10-16] respectively, p=0.046). Total PSQI scores were similar between groups. Also, no significant differences were observed in total PSQI scores of AR patients with or without RLS.

CONCLUSION

Restless legs syndrome was not more common but was more severe in children with AR. There was no evidence that RLS has an obvious effect on sleep quality in children with AR.

Symptoms of PBC - Pathophysiology and management

Primary biliary cholangitis is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterised by progressive bile duct damage and, ultimately, biliary cirrhosis. Though up to fifty percent of the patients can be asymptomatic at presentation, symptoms when present are frequently debilitating with significant impact on quality of life and functional status. Characteristic symptoms include pruritus, fatigue and an increasingly recognised mild cognitive impairment. With the exception of pruritus, the "classic" cholestatic symptom, therapeutic options to treat PBC related symptoms are currently limited leaving patients with often significant residual problems. Symptoms can frequently contribute to depression and social isolation further compounding the quality of life impairment. There is need to better understand the current therapeutic options available in order to optimise their use, and to explore newer avenues to understand the pathophysiology of the symptom-generating processed in PBC in order to develop new therapies.

An investigation into the prevalence of sleep disturbances in primary Sjögren's syndrome: a systematic review of the literature

Objectives. To identify whether sleep disturbances are more prevalent in primary SS (pSS) patients compared with the general population and to recognize which specific sleep symptoms are particularly problematic in this population.

Methods. Electronic searches of the literature were conducted in PubMed, Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), PsychINFO (Ovid) and Web of Science and the search strategy registered a priori. Titles and abstracts were reviewed by two authors independently against a set of prespecified inclusion/exclusion criteria, reference lists were examined and a narrative synthesis of the included articles was conducted.

Results. Eight whole-text papers containing nine separate studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the narrative analysis. Few of these studies met all of the quality assessment criteria. The studies used a range of self-reported measures and objective measures, including polysomnography. Mixed evidence was obtained for some of the individual sleep outcomes, but overall compared with controls, pSS patients reported greater subjective sleep disturbances and daytime somnolence and demonstrated more night awakenings and pre-existing obstructive sleep apnoea.

Conclusions. A range of sleep disturbances are commonly reported in pSS patients. Further polysomnography studies are recommended to confirm the increased prevalence of night awakenings and obstructive sleep apnoea in this patient group. pSS patients with excessive daytime somnolence should be screened for co-morbid sleep disorders and treated appropriately. Interventions targeted at sleep difficulties in pSS, such as cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia and nocturnal humidification devices, have the potential to improve quality of life in this patient group and warrant further investigation.

Fatigue and its associated factors in liver transplant recipients in Beijing: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

Fatigue is a highly prevalent symptom experienced by patients who underwent the liver transplantation. However, the influencing factors of fatigue are poorly understood by healthcare professionals. The aim of this study was to examine the intensity, interference, duration and prevalence of fatigue in liver transplantation recipients and to explore the influencing factors of post-transplantation fatigue.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional design was used in this study.

METHODS

A convenience sample of liver transplant recipients was recruited at an outpatient transplant clinic of a general hospital in Beijing, China. Self-report survey data were provided by liver transplant recipients using the Fatigue Symptom Inventory (FSI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) and the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). Demographic, clinical and psychosocial parameters were evaluated as fatigue influencing factors.

RESULTS

Participants (n=285) included 69 women and 216 men. Fatigue was found in 87.0% of liver transplant recipients. Mean scores of fatigue intensity items were 4.47±2.85, 1.93±1.97, 3.15±2.13 and 2.73±2.42 (most fatigue, least fatigue, average fatigue in the week prior to assessment and fatigue at the point of assessment). The mean score of fatigue interference was 2.27±2.09.The number of days fatigued in the week prior to assessment was 2.26±2.02 and the amount of time fatigued each day was 2.75±2.44. Spearman's correlation analysis showed that fatigue intensity was positively associated with anxiety, depression and insomnia (p<0.001 for all), while fatigue interference was positively associated with gender, anxiety, depression and insomnia (p<0.05 for all). In the multiple linear regression analysis, anxiety and insomnia were positively associated with fatigue intensity (p<0.001), and insomnia, depression and anxiety were positively associated with fatigue interference (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Fatigue is common in liver transplant recipients, and it is strongly associated with insomnia, anxiety and depression.

Comparison of sleep disorders in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with interferon-based therapy and direct acting antivirals using actigraphy

This study aimed to compare the severity of sleep problems between chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients treated with interferon (IFN)-based triple therapy (pegylated [Peg]-IFN plus ribavirin [RBV] plus simeprevir [SMV]) and those who received IFN-free direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy.

METHODS

Our study included 31 patients in group A (Peg-IFN/RBV/SMV combination therapy) and 41 patients in the group B (IFN-free DAA therapy). We prospectively compared the effect of each antiviral treatment regimen on sleep conditions between the two groups adding actigraphy data. Five parameters detected by actigraphy (objective assessment) and scores of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (subjective assessment, n = 30 [group A] and 35 [group B]) were estimated. The causal effect of each therapy on sleep disturbances was evaluated at baseline and at 4 weeks after commencement of therapy.

RESULTS

In terms of baseline characteristics, no significant differences between groups were found, except for hepatitis C virus genotype. In group A, sustained virological response 12 rate was 83.9% (26/31), whereas in group B it was 95.1% (39/41). In group A, each score of waking after sleep onset, activity index, wake episodes, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index at 4 weeks significantly increased compared to those evaluated at baseline. In group B, scores of all variables except for sleep episodes at 4 weeks did not significantly change compared to those at baseline.

CONCLUSION

Interferon-based triple therapy in patients with CHC may cause significant sleep disturbances. Interferon-free DAA therapy is less likely to deteriorate sleep conditions in patients with CHC.

Managing Sleep Disturbances in Cirrhosis

Sleep disturbances, particularly daytime sleepiness and insomnia, are common problems reported by patients suffering from liver cirrhosis. Poor sleep negatively impacts patients' quality of life and cognitive functions and increases mortality. Although sleep disturbances can be an early sign of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), many patients without HE still complain of poor quality sleep. The pathophysiology of these disturbances is not fully understood but is believed to be linked to impaired hepatic melatonin metabolism. This paper provides an overview for the clinician of common comorbidities contributing to poor sleep in patients with liver disease, mainly restless leg syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea. It discusses nondrug and pharmacologic treatment options in these patients, such as the use of light therapy and histamine (H1) blockers.

When insomnia is not just insomnia: the deeper correlates of disturbed sleep with reference to DSM-5

Recent scientific evidences have brought a paradigm shift in our approach towards the concepts of insomnia and its management. The differentiation between primary and secondary insomnia was proved more hypothetical than actual and based upon the current evidences insomnia subtypes described in earlier system have been lumped into one-insomnia disorder. Research in this field suggests that insomnia occurring during psychiatric or medical disorders has a bidirectional and interactive relationship with and coexisting medical and psychiatric illnesses. The new approach looks to coexist psychiatric or medical disorders as comorbid conditions and hence specifies two coexisting conditions. Therefore, the management and treatment plans should address both the conditions. A number of sleep disorders may present with insomnia like symptoms and these disorders should be treated efficiently in order to alleviate insomnia symptoms. In such cases, a thorough history from the patient and his/her bed-partner is warranted. Moreover, some patients may need polysomnography or other diagnostic tests like actigraphy to confirm the diagnosis of the underlying sleep disorder. DSM-5 classification system of sleep–wake disorders has several advantages, e.g., it has seen insomnia across different dimensions to make it clinically more useful; it focuses on the assessment of severity and guides the mental health professional when to refer a patient of insomnia to a sleep specialist; lastly, it may encourage the psychiatrists to opt for sleep medicine as a career.