Association of metabolic syndrome and its components with systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients might manifest an increased prevalence of Metabolic syndrome (MetS) components like insulin resistance, obesity, and dyslipidemia. Here we aimed to assess the interconnection between MetS components and SLE and attempted to divulge the potential contribution of MetS on SLE development. METHODS: We enrolled 200 cases with SLE whose diagnosis was accomplished by American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. MetS diagnosed was accomplished through the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. RESULTS: The frequency of MetS among the SLE population was 28.5%. SLEDAI was not significantly different between SLE cases with and without MetS (P = 0.3519). CRP level was significantly higher in the SLE cases with MetS compared to those without MetS (P = 0.0412). BMI, FBS, WC (both in males and females), total cholesterol, TG, and LDL were significantly higher in SLE subjects with MetS compared to those without MetS. However, in both males and females, HDL level was significantly lower in SLE subjects with MetS compared to those without MetS. Obesity, CVD, T2D, dyslipidemia, and hypertension were more prevalent in MetS cases among the SLE population. CONCLUSIONS: An increased prevalence of MetS in the SLE population was observed, while these patients did not have worsen disease severity. All conventional components of MetS were associated with MetS development in the SLE population. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.