Sleep disturbance among juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients

Abstract Background Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a common pediatric condition that is often associated with chronic pain and physical disability. Moreover, it is also comorbid with sleep problems which considerably affects the patient’s daily functioning [1]. Objectives The aim of this study was to assess sleep disturbances among JIA patients. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study including patients with JIA according to the International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR). Sociodemographic data as well as disease characteristics were collected. Sleep disturbance was assessed by two questionnaires: the BEARS Sleep Screening algorithm and PROMIS sleep disturbance short form according to the age of the patients (<18 years old, >18 years old respectively). The BEARS is an instrument divided into major sleep domains: bedtime problems, excessive daytime sleepiness, awakenings during the night, regularity and duration of sleep and snoring. PROMIS is an 8-item questionnaire that assess sleep quality. A higher T score corresponds to a poorer the sleep quality. Results The study included 31 patients. The mean age of the participants was 28.67 years [9–45 years]. There was a female predominance: 35.5% males vs 64.5% females. The mean age at onset was 6.6 years [2–13] and the mean disease duration was 256.5 months [36–444]. The distribution of the different subtypes was as follows: Enthesitis-related arthritis (n = 4), RF-positive polyarthritis (n = 10), RF-negative polyarthritis (n = 6), oligoarthritis (n = 7) and systemic arthritis (n = 4). Nineteen patients were receiving corticosteroids. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs were used by 18 patients: methotrexate (n = 11), sulfasalazine (n = 3), leflunomide (n = 4), biologics (n = 13). Twelve patients developed complications: coxitis (n = 11), growth retardation (n = 9), uveitis (n = 4). The majority of the respondents (90.3%) reported using screens daily before going to sleep. Among patients aged <18 years, 2 had an individual bedroom while 8 shared theirs with their siblings. Among the ten patients who answered the BEARS Sleep Screening algorithm, 40% had an excessive daytime sleepiness, 20% had night awakenings and 30% suffered from a snoring problem. Regularity and duration of sleep was respected in 6 out of the 10 patients. The most common bedtime problem mentioned were refusal to go to bed (73%) as well as bedtime stalling (23%). As for the PROMIS form, the mean score was 55.52 [27–66]. None to slight, mild, moderate and severe sleep disturbance were found in 16.1%, 19.3% and 6.4% of cases respectively. There was a significant association between poor sleep quality and higher disease activity (DAS28 ESR) (P < 0.043). However, we did not find a significant association between the sleeping disturbances and age at onset (P = 0.08), disease duration (P = 0.073), the CHAQ score (P = 0.059), corticosteroid use (P = 0.063) and the screen use (P = 0.092). Conclusion This study highlights the high prevalence of sleep disturbance among JIA patients which may affect their physical, emotional and cognitive well-being. It is important to screen for sleep problems for a better management of the disease. [1] Owens J. Classification and epidemiology of childhood sleep disorders. Prim Care 2008; 35(3):533–46