Association between Metabolic Syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background and Objectives: To assess prevalence of MetS in RA patients and compare with that of normal subjects. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Government Medical College Kozhikode in 200 subjects of which 100 were Rheumatoid Arthritis patients and 100 were age and sex matched healthy controls. All the subjects who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria and who gave informed consent were included in a consecutive manner till the sample size was achieved. Waist circumference was measured using measuring tape, BP by mercury sphygmomanometer, Fasting Blood Sugar by Glucose oxidase-peroxidase method, Triglycerides by GPO Trinder method and HDL Cholesterol by Phosphotungstic method. The data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 18. Results: p value of this study is less than0.05 which is statistically significant. Conclusion: The frequency of Metabolic Syndrome in RA was significantly higher compared to controls. The physicians should screen for Metabolic syndrome in patients with RA to control its components.