Metabolic syndrome in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: Association with disease activity, disease damage and age

AimSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular involvement. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) includes a group of classic cardiovascular risk factors with probably proinflammatory conditions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of MetS in SLE patients. MethodsDemographic, clinical and laboratory features of 73 SLE patients were compared with 73 age-sex matched controls using SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), Systemic Lupus Damage Index (SDI) and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). MetS was diagnosed according to the definitions of the 2005 National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP/ATP III) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF). The frequency of MetS was compared in SLE patients and controls, and then patients were investigated for MetS and major organ involvement. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS version 19, and results were considered significant at P<0.05. ResultsThe mean age of SLE patients was 40.9712.2years, and 95.8% were female. MetS according to NCEP/ATP III and IDF criteria was present in 33 (45.2%) and 34 (46.6%) SLE patients versus 27 (37%) and 29 (39.7%) controls (P>0.05). Lupus patients were more likely to have hypertension (P=0.038). SLE patients with MetS had higher HAQ scores (P=0.029). In patients with major organ involvement, age and disease duration were significantly higher in the MetS subgroup (P<0.05). ConclusionThe frequency of MetS was not significantly different from that of the control group, but almost half of the patients were found with this syndrome. This calls for further follow up and appropriate treatment of patients with MetS.