Metabolic syndrome is associated with increased prevalence of advanced colorectal polyps

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and/or its components and colorectal neoplasms in adult population undergoing screening colonoscopy.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Institute of Gastroenterology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel.

Participants: Two hundred ninety nine consecutive outpatients undergoing screening colonoscopy.

Measurements: MetS was determined according to the Adult Treatment Panel III of the National Cholesterol Education Program (ATP III) criteria. Blood test results and other clinical data were retrieved from the electronic medical records.

Results: In 94 patients (31.8%) polyps were detected. Thirty two (34%) of the polyps were advanced. Eighty one percent of patients with an advanced polyp met the criteria for MetS. About the same MetS prevalence (84%) was found in men, but not in women. An advanced polyp was detected in 14% of patients with MetS, compared to 5% of patients without MetS. Odds ratio for having an advanced polyp in a patient with MetS compared to a patient without MetS was 10.64.

Conclusion: MetS was found to be a risk factor for advanced polyps. This association is suggestive of the need that patients with MetS should be urged to have a screening colonoscopy.