Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and of symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients undergoing colonoscopy

Abstract

Introduction

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined by metabolic and cardio-vascular impairments and is frequently associated with anxiety and depressive disorders. Both MetS and anxiety-depressive syndromes feature similar systemic inflammatory alterations. Inflammation of the large bowel is also a key factor for the development of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Objective

To measure the prevalence of MetS and symptoms of anxiety and depression among patients undergoing colonoscopy.

Methods

Cross-sectional study. Patients undergoing colonoscopy aged 40 or more, with negative history for neoplasia or inflammatory bowel disease, were enrolled. Data collected: colonoscopy outcome, presence/absence of MetS (IDF and ATP III criteria), presence/absence of depressive and anxiety symptoms assessed with HADS.

Results

The sample was made up of 53 patients (female 24, 45.3%). Mean age was 60.66 ± 9.08. At least one adenoma was found to 23 patients (43.3%). Prevalence of MetS ranged from 34% to 36% (ATP III and IDF criteria, respectively). Prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms was 20% and 33%, respectively.

Conclusion

Prevalence of MetS, anxiety and depressive symptoms among patients undergoing colonoscopy was higher than in the general population.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.