Metabolic Syndrome Predicts Cardiovascular Outcomes in Inflammatory Arthritis Save

Key Points

• Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) predicts both cardiovascular and all-cause adverse outcomes in patients with Chronic inflammatory arthritis (CIA)

• A dose–response relationship between additional MetS component and cardiovascular risk.

Chronic inflammatory arthritis (CIA) is associated with elevated cardiovascular risk. While metabolic syndrome (MetS) is prevalent, how much it contributes to adverse clinical outcomes is unclear. 

In this prospective observational study  811 CIA patients analyze outcomes in patients with and without MetS, including cardiovascular death/hospitalization and all-cause death/hospitalization. 

MetS was present in 35.0% of patients. During a median follow-up of 39 months, CV events occurred significantly more frequently with MetS (18% vs. 8%, p = 0.002). All-cause events were also higher in the MetS group (38% vs. 20%, p < 0.001). 

MetS independently and significantly predicted cardiovascular (adjusted HR = 4.12) and all-cause outcomes (adjusted HR = 2.81). Each additional MetS component was associated with a 1.68-fold increased risk of CV risk.

MetS is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular and all-cause adverse outcomes in patients with CIA.