The risk of metabolic syndrome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis of observational studies.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Observational studies suggest an association between the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the relationship between RA and MetS is controversial and research in this area is currently lacking.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess whether the prevalence of MetS was higher in a group of RA patients compared to subjects without RA.

Design

A PubMed database search was conducted during April 2013 to identify observational studies of RA and risk of MetS. Reference lists of retrieved articles were also reviewed. Two authors independently extracted information on the study design, the characteristics of the study participants, exposure and outcome assessments, and the method used to control for

SUBMITTER: Zhang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3808281 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature