Short summary

This project investigates the influence and effect of metabolic syndrome in patients having joint replacement surgery of the hip and knee. We will investigate the risk of infection, the influence on heart and vascular disease and the general function and activity in these patients. Furthermore we will investigate possible biomakers in this group of patients, for future use in a clinical setting.

Rationale

Metabolic syndrome is a common term used to describe phenotypic and metabolic characteristics, including increased waist circumference and two or more of the following: high bloodpressure, increased plasma cholesterol, increased amount of fatty acids in the blood, increased plasma glucose or known type 2 diabetes.

The purpose of this project is to investigate the influence and effect of metabolic syndrome in patients having joint replacement surgery of the hip and knee. We will investigate the length of stay, readmission rate and risk of infection, as well as the influence of metabolic syndrome on cardiovascular disease and general function and activity in patients with a hip or knee replacement. Our unique biobank makes us capable of investigating the inflammatory response in metabolic syndrome and osteoarthritis, identifying possible common pathways and biomarkers of clinical value. Hence, this project will have a special emphasis on osteoarthritis, and aim to investigate if there might be a link between metabolic syndrome and osteoarthritis.

The identification of risk factors and postoperative complications will help the clinician to optimise, monitor and treat patients with metabolic syndrome before, during and after joint replacement surgery, and this project will have the potential to substantially influence the outcome of joint replacement surgery for this group of patients.

Description of the cohort

2906 patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, having joint replacement surgery (THA, TKA or UKA) at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Lillebaelt Hospital, Vejle in the period from May 1, 2017 to November 30, 2019.

Data and biological material

Biobank with blood samples. Questionnaires and data from several registries in Denmark.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Lillebaelt Hospital, Vejle

• Claus Lohman Brasen

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Lillebaelt Hospital, Vejle

• Lasse Enkebølle Rasmussen

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Lillebaelt Hospital, Vejle

• Claus Varnum