Sleep Apnea — Another Risk Factor for the Development of Psoriasis?

Despite the finding of a significant relationship, the magnitude of risk was low and some questions remain.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and increased cardiovascular disease risk. Mechanisms underlying the link between OSA and these comorbidities have been postulated to involve sympathetic overactivity, hypercoagulability, and the activation of inflammatory cytokine pathways. Chronic inflammation may be a result of psoriasis or may be a factor in the development of psoriasis. Many studies have identified obesity as a predisposing factor for the development of psoriasis, and many patients with OSA are obese.

These investigators examined whether OSA is an independent risk factor for the development of psoriasis. Using data from the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000, th…

Reviewing Author

Jeffrey P. Callen, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board XOMA; Eli Lilly; Celgene

Equity Various trust accounts

Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societies Association of Professors of Dermatology (President-Elect)