The Impact of Metabolic Syndrome on Quality of Life Among Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis Living in Egypt

Several studies have linked metabolic syndrome (MetS) to osteoarthritis (OA), but they have not looked into how MetS can affect the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of OA individuals. Objectives: We aimed to assess the association of MetS and its components, including obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia, with HRQOL among Egyptians with knee OA.

Individuals with knee OA with MetS showed more significant radiological damage, severe functional disability, and poor HRQOL. They also had higher levels of IL-6, which correlated significantly with the degree of disability, promoting it as a significant therapeutic target.

This cross-sectional study comprised 116 adult Egyptian participants with knee OA. They were divided into 2 groups based on whether or not they had the MetS. All participants were subjected to a thorough medical history taking and a detailed medical examination. The Kellgren and Lawrence (K/L) scale evaluated OA in all individuals using anteroposterior knee radiographs. The Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) were used to assess participants' HRQOL; their higher scores indicate more disability. Spearman rank and Pearson's correlation analyses were used to assess the association between variables.

Diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity were significantly associated with the OA + MetS group with a prevalence of 77.6%, 82.8%, 77.6%, and 50.0%, respectively. According to the K/L scale, 70.7% of the OA + MetS group had grade IV knee affection. The HAQ-DI and WOMAC scores were significantly (P < .001) higher among the OA + MetS individuals compared with the OA individuals. Interleukin (IL)-6 serum levels were also significantly higher in the OA + MetS group (P = .036) and increased significantly with the more serious radiological damage and functional disability. We found significant positive correlations between HAQ-DI and WOMAC with waist circumference (P = .004, .001), as well as triglycerides (P = .006, .008), cholesterol (P = .041, .048), fasting blood sugar (P < .001, < .001) and significant negative correlations with high-density lipoprotein levels (P = .628, .002). Conclusions: Individuals with knee OA with MetS showed more significant radiological damage, severe functional disability, and poor HRQOL. They also had higher levels of IL-6, which correlated significantly with the degree of disability, promoting it as a significant therapeutic target.