This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its associations with clinical characteristics, cardiovascular risk, and dietary habits among 293 Spanish patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). MetS, a chronic proinflammatory condition, exacerbates cardiovascular risk and is often seen in patients with SLE. Using standard criteria, researchers assessed disease activity (SLEDAI-2K), damage (SDI index), and adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (Med Diet) through a detailed questionnaire.
MetS was found in 15% of patients with SLE, a lower prevalence than reported in previous studies. Patients with MetS showed significantly higher triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, waist circumference, and a greater SDI damage index, along with elevated complement C3 levels. No significant differences were linked to medication use or levels of Med Diet adherence. These results suggest that overall good dietary habits might have contributed to the lower MetS prevalence observed in this group.
Reference: DelOlmo-Romero S, Medina-Martínez I, Gil-Gutierrez R, et al. Metabolic syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus patients under Mediterranean diet. Med Clin (Barc). 2024 Mar 22;162(6):259-264. English, Spanish. doi: 10.1016/j.medcli.2023.10.009. Epub 2023 Nov 30. PMID: 38040571.
