The Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and Severity of Esophagitis Caused by Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease



Shavakhi A^{1, 2} ; Minakari M^{1, 2} ; Khodadoostan M^{1, 2} ; Ghafouripour L³ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2013

Abstract

Background: The metabolic syndrome is one of the serious and unresolved public health problems in the world. It is a series of metabolic abnormalities including abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. Using the Adult Treatment Panel (ATP III) definition, approximately 21.9% of Iranian adults living in central Iran have the metabolic syndrome. This syndrome increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and renal complications. It is also known as a risk factor for several gastrointestinal diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate whether the metabolic syndrome and its components are risk factors for erosive esophagitis. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 151 people with heartburn or regurgitation. The patients underwent upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy. Their blood pressure, blood markers (fasting glucose level and lipid profile), height, weight, and waist circumference were also measured. The relative frequency of metabolic syndrome in patients with and without endoscopic esophageal erosion caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease was then determined based on the obtained information and using SPSS. Findings: Of 151 patients, 36 (23.8%) had the metabolic syndrome [15 (18.3%) without esophageal erosions and 21 (30.4%) with esophageal erosions]. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the two groups had no significant difference (P = 0.08). According to Los Angeles (LA) classification, the metabolic syndrome was seen in 18.3% of patients without erosions and in 17.9%, 75%, and 100% of LAA, LAB, and LAC patients (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The metabolic syndrome and its components were associated with increased risk of severe reflux esophagitis. Therefore, patients with digestive discomfort should be evaluated in terms of the metabolic syndrome.