Abstracts Highlight Association Between Idiopathic Hypersomnia and Weight, Social Relationships

Two posters from the SLEEP 2022 conference revealed some of the interaction between idiopathic hypersomnia and different aspects of life, including weight changes and interpersonal relationships.

Impact of Idiopathic Hypersomnia on Relationships

Idiopathic hypersomnia is a rare neurologic disorder characterized by hypersomnolence that can be quite debilitating for patients. The condition often presents during adolescence and impacts quality of life. In a recent study, researchers examined how it could have a more significant impact on patients’ social life than narcolepsy, especially social, romantic, and sexual relationships among young adults.¹

The researchers enrolled 106 young adults between the ages of 18 and 39 years with self-reported idiopathic hypersomnia. The participants filled out a survey online to assess impact on relationships and provider communication.

The mean (SD) age of the participants was 29.6 (5.2) years and 90% were women. Also, 90% of the cohort were White and 80% were employed.

Overall, 98% of participants reported that their idiopathic hypersomnia impacted their social life and 92% said that it made entering into new relationships more difficult. Additionally, 89% said that their condition impacted their sex life and 32% said that it led to the breakup of a romantic relationship.

The participants reported that they received more support from their significant others compared with their family members and friends. Health care professionals asked about the impact of idiopathic hypersomnia on social or sex lives for 34% and 9% of participants, respectively. The researchers suggested that more clinicians should evaluate and provide further support for the social health of young adults with idiopathic hypersomnia.

The Impact of Idiopathic Hypersomnia Therapy on Weight

Treatment with sodium oxybate (Xyrem) therapy in patients with narcolepsy has been linked to weight loss. Compared with regular sodium oxybate, lower sodium oxybate (Xywav) has the same level of active moiety with 92% less sodium. Lower sodium oxybate is approved for use in adult patients with idiopathic hypersomnia in the United States.

Researchers conducted a phase 3 clinical trial that included 154 patients with a mean (SD) age of 40.3 (13.7) years, a mean (SD) weight at baseline of 76.9 (18.7) kg, and a mean (SD) body mass index (BMI) at baseline of 27.1 (5.9) kg/m2.² For inclusion, patients had to be between 18 and 75 years old and have not previously been treated with sodium oxybate.

The patients began treatment with lower-sodium oxybate. After 2 weeks of a stable-dose period, the patients were randomized to continue the treatment or receive a placebo for another 2 weeks, followed by a 24-week open-label extension.

At baseline, 1.3% (n = 2) of the patients were considered underweight, 40.3% (n = 62) were labeled as having a normal weight, 33.8% (n = 52) were overweight, and 24.7% (n = 38) were labeled as obese according to their BMI.

At the end of the stable-dose period, 28.7% (n = 31) of the patients’ weight loss of at least 5%. The mean (SD) weight lost during the period was 2.5 (4.1) kg. The mean weight decreases were numerically greater in patients that had a higher BMI at baseline.

Both studies were funded by Jazz Pharmaceuticals.

Reference

1. Davisdon R, Blattner M, Scammell T, Zhou E. The impact of idiopathic hypersomnia on social and romantic relationships of young adults. Presented at: SLEEP 2022; June 5-8, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina. Abstract 0416.
2. Dauvilliers Y, Chandler P, Hickey L, Chen A, Steininger T, Foldvary-Shaefer N. Weight changes during treatment with lowersodium oxybate in a phase 3 clinical study in patients with idiopathic hypersomnia. Presented at: SLEEP 2022; June 5-8, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina. Abstract 0387.