Systematic review and meta-analysis on prevalence of metabolic syndrome in psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis

Background: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriasis (PsO) are associated with systemic inflammation and increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with systemic inflammation, and conditions associated with MetS, such as obesity, are associated with difficulty in attaining minimal disease activity (MDA) in individuals with inflammatory arthritis. This systematic review aims to determine whether there is an increased prevalence of MetS in PsA populations compared with PsO and RA populations.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted to assess the prevalence of MetS in PsA, PsO, and RA populations following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. The quality of the studies reviewed was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Prevalence Studies.

Results: The pooled prevalence of MetS in PsA populations was 0.46 ± 0.06 (95% CI 0.40-0.51). In comparison, the prevalence of MetS in PsO and RA populations was 0.34 ± 0.03 (95% CI 0.32-0.37) and 0.31 ± 0.04 (95% CI 0.27-0.35), respectively. Patients with PsA were 1.62 ± 0.036 (95% CI 1.50-1.74) and 1.66 ± 0.038 (95% CI 1.54-1.79) times more likely to have MetS compared with PsO and RA populations.

Conclusion: The prevalence of MetS is significantly increased in PsA populations compared with PsO and RA populations. Further studies should be performed using a standardized definition of MetS in PsA, RA, and PsO populations to determine whether addressing the metabolic components in MetS offers any therapeutic benefits and in terms of attaining MDA and improving cardiovascular health.