OSTEOARTHRITIS AND METABOLIC SYNDROME: KEY ASPECTS OF PATIENT MANAGEMENT
Authors: Zhdan V.M. , Lebid V.G. , Kir'yan O.A. 
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is a major health concern, and along with coronary heart disease and arterial hypertension, forms a triad of the most common diseases among the adult population. Osteoarthritis significantly reduces the quality of life, leads to disability, and increases mortality rates. Globally, nearly 240 million people suffer from osteoarthritis (about 10% of men and 18% of women over the age of 60). In terms of disease burden, osteoarthritis ranks: first in complications of the musculoskeletal system, second in the number of visits to family doctors, and third in cases of disability. Patients with osteoarthritis, particularly those with comorbid conditions and metabolic syndrome, face a high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and an increased risk of premature death.
Goal: to elucidate modern insights into the pathogenetic links between osteoarthritis and metabolic syndrome, and to justify new approaches to improving treatment for patients with this pathology.
Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted using scientific databases, employing methods of analysis, comparison, and generalization of information about the relationship between osteoarthritis and metabolic syndrome. The study was carried out at the Department of Family Medicine and Therapy at Poltava State Medical University, based in the Regional Rheumatology Center of M. V. Sklifosovskiy Poltava Regional. The study involved 40 patients, both outpatients and inpatients, including 26 women (65%) and 14 men (35%), aged 54-69 years, with primary osteoarthritis of X-ray stages I-II according to the Kellgren-Lawrence scale, in combination with metabolic syndrome. The control group consisted of 20 individuals.
Results. A 12-month monitoring of this group of patient was conducted, revealing mild to moderate manifestations of metabolic syndrome along with polymorbid conditions such as chronic obstructive lung diseases and genitourinary system disorders. Most frequently, one, and rarely two, comorbid conditions were detected, along with one or two diseases unrelated to osteoarthritis. The most common progressive conditions observed were arterial hypertension, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and digestive system diseases.
The primary goal in managing patients with osteoarthritis and metabolic syndrome is to significantly reduce cardiovascular risk and mortality. This involves developing a comprehensive concept of metabolic syndrome and osteoarthritis, identifying patients at high cardiovascular risk, and implementing preventive measures, including lifestyle modifications and the use of appropriate medications.
Conclusions. The study revealed a significant clinical effect from the use of therapy that included coxibs in 78% of patients in the main group with osteoarthritis combined with metabolic syndrome. A positive outcome was observed in terms of pain reduction, a reduction in inpatient treatment duration by 2-3 days, and extended remission periods. For this category of patients, primary prevention should focus on weight loss, increased physical activity, and normalization of metabolic disorders.