Relationship of the metabolic syndrome to carotid ultrasound traits
2006

Metabolic Syndrome and Carotid Ultrasound Traits

Sample size: 166 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Rebecca L Pollex, Khalid Z Al-Shali, Andrew A House, J David Spence, Aaron Fenster, Mary Mamakeesick, Bernard Zinman, Stewart B Harris, Anthony JG Hanley, Robert A Hegele

Primary Institution: Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada

Hypothesis

What is the relationship between metabolic syndrome and carotid ultrasound measurements in a Canadian Oji-Cree population?

Conclusion

The study found that intima media thickness is more consistently associated with metabolic syndrome than total plaque volume.

Supporting Evidence

  • Mean intima media thickness was higher in subjects with metabolic syndrome compared to those without.
  • Total plaque volume was also higher in subjects with metabolic syndrome, but not significantly.
  • A significant trend towards increased intima media thickness was observed with more components of metabolic syndrome.

Takeaway

This study looked at how a condition called metabolic syndrome affects the thickness of blood vessel walls and plaque in a group of Canadian people. It found that thicker walls are more common in those with the syndrome.

Methodology

Carotid ultrasound measurements were taken from 166 Oji-Cree subjects to assess intima media thickness and total plaque volume.

Potential Biases

The study population is not typical, as the prevalence of diabetes was over 50% among subjects with metabolic syndrome.

Limitations

The study lacks prospective data to determine the relationship between metabolic syndrome and the progression of carotid ultrasound traits.

Participant Demographics

Oji-Cree population, with a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.039

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1476-7120-4-28

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