Abstract:
Abstract
Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a group of metabolic risk factors which are associated
with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVDs). Nowadays, several studies have shown that
the prevalence of MS is increasing and its association with the development of CVDs is becoming
common in epileptic patients. However, getting published documents has been limited in Ethiopia.
Objective: The study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of MS among epileptic
patients in Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and compare with respective controls.
Methods and Materials: Hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study design was
implemented from June 25 to August 20, 2021. A total of 204 participants with an equal number
of cases and controls (n =102 each) were included and a systematic random sampling technique
was applied. The magnitude of MS was determined using both ATP-III and IDF definition criteria.
The data was collected through face-to-face interviews and biochemical analyses were done. The
STATA version 14 was used for statistical data analysis, and comparison of categorical and
continuous variables was done with ?2 and an independent t-test, respectively. The multivariable
binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with MS, and variables
having a ?-value of <0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Result: The overall prevalence rate of MS was found to be 19.6% by ATP-III and 19.1% by IDF.
The prevalence in the epileptic group was (25.5% in ATP-III and 23.5% in IDF criteria), whereas
it was 13.7% in ATP- III and 14.7% in IDF criteria among control groups. According to the IDF
criteria, participants with low physical activity (AOR= 4.73, 95% CI: 1.08 -20.68), taking AEDs
(AOR=8.08, 95% CI: 1.52 -42.74), having a total cholesterol (TC) level of > 200 mg/dl
(AOR=5.81, 95%: 1.32- 41.13) and BMI (AOR=1.57, 95% CI=1.16- 2.11) were significantly
associated with MS. Applying ATP III criteria, taking multiple AEDs (AOR=6.81, 95% CI: 1.29-
35.92), having a TC level > 200 mg/dl (AOR=7.37, 95% CI: 1.32- 41.13) and BMI (AOR= 1.53,
96% CI: 1.16- 2.01) were also significantly associated with MS.
Conclusion: The prevalence of MS among epileptic patients was high as compared to healthy
individuals. Being on multiple AEDs, BMI, having low physical activity and raised TC were
significantly associated with MS. Therefore, it is better to focus on controlling weight, having
sufficient physical exercise and regular monitoring of TC levels in epileptic patients.
Keywords: Metabolic Syndrome, Epilepsy, Antiepileptic drugs, Northeast Ethiopia
