Metabolic syndrome in advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with tracheostomy‐invasive ventilation

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients have an energy imbalance. Little is known regarding the association between ALS and metabolic syndrome.AimWe aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with ALS and the association with metabolic syndrome.MethodsWe examined the prevalence of metabolic syndrome using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) diagnostic criteria and analyzed its association with clinical characteristics, including subcutaneous and preperitoneal fat thickness, in 66 patients with ALS who underwent tracheostomy‐invasive ventilation.ResultsMetabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 29 patients (43.9% of all participants). Metabolic syndrome was more common in women and in those with a longer ALS disease duration, higher body mass index, and higher total serum cholesterol levels. Subcutaneous and preperitoneal fat thickness were significantly higher in patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.ConclusionMetabolic syndrome is prevalent among patients with advanced ALS. The hypometabolism in patients receiving mechanical ventilation may be the underlying cause.