Metabolic Syndrome in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients : Relationship to Disease Activity and Neuropsychiatric Lupus

Objective: The study aims to evaluate the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Egyptian systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Additionally, we intended to determine the association of MetS with disease activity, clinical and laboratory features.

Patients And Methods: This cross-sectional study included adult SLE patients diagnosed and followed in rheumatology outpatient clinics. The demographic data, clinical and laboratory parameters were assessed for all patients. Disease activity was measured using SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI-2k). Patients were diagnosed to have MetS according to The National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP). The characteristics of SLE patients and their disease status were compared between those with and without MetS.

Results: A total of 74 SLE patients were included; mean age was 32.1 ± 10.9 years and 87.8% were females. Twenty-five (33.8%) SLE patients had neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE), with headache the most common manifestation. MetS was diagnosed in 45.9% of the SLE group. Patients with MetS had significantly older age, delayed age of diagnosis and higher SLEDAI-2k scores (p = 0.015, p = 0.014 and p = 0.019, respectively) compared to those without MetS. NPSLE was significantly correlated with MetS (r = 0.32, p = 0.006) and in particular with higher central obesity (r = 0.43, p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, NPSLE remained independently associated with MetS (OR = 4.9, p = 0.004, 95% CI = 1.7-14.4).

Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome is present in a significant proportion of Egyptian patients with adult SLE. Delayed disease diagnosis and higher disease activity are SLE-related factors that may contribute to increase the risk of MetS. Data suggest that neuropsychiatric lupus may underlie some of the increased risk for MetS and central obesity.