Metabolic Syndrome is a Predisposing Factor for Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Metabolic Health
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is characterized by spinal ankylosis, leading to fractures and reduced daily activities in older adults.
• While DISH is linked to diabetes and cardiovascular disease, its association with metabolic syndrome remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential association between diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and metabolic syndrome.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 327 subjects (39 with DISH, 288 without) undergoing musculoskeletal health checkups.
• Data analyzed included age, sex, BMI, blood pressure, metabolic syndrome presence, visceral fat area, and spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL).

Main Results:

• The DISH group exhibited higher mean age, male prevalence, and BMI compared to the non-DISH group.
• Metabolic syndrome was more frequent in the DISH group (28.9%) versus the non-DISH group (16.0%), with a significantly larger visceral fat area.
• Poisson regression indicated metabolic syndrome was significantly associated with DISH (OR 2.0, p=0.004).

Conclusions:

• Metabolic syndrome is significantly associated with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH).
• These findings suggest a potential relationship between metabolic syndrome and DISH.