The association between dyslipidemia and hand osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Hand osteoarthritis (HOA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease, with emerging evidence suggesting metabolic factors, including dyslipidemia, play a role in its pathogenesis. Dyslipidemia components, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides, may contribute to cartilage damage and inflammation in hand joints, though robust evidence is limited. Method A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science to identify case-control and cohort studies examining the association between dyslipidemia and HOA. Dyslipidemia was assessed as a binary variable, while LDL, HDL, and triglycerides were analyzed as continuous variables. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Random effects model was used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs) and odds ratios (ORs). This study adhered to PRISMA guidelines for transparent reporting and was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42024616873). Results For dyslipidemia (binary), the pooled OR was 1.40 (95% CI = 1.19-1.66, P < 0.0001) with negligible heterogeneity (I-2 = 0%, P = 0.82). Triglycerides showed a mean difference of 14.48 (95% CI = 5.37 to 23.60, P = 0.002) with low heterogeneity (I-2 = 0%, P = 0.46). HDL yielded a pooled SMD of 0.48 (95% CI = - 1.50 to 2.46, P = 0.63) with low heterogeneity (I-2 = 9%, P = 0.35). For LDL, the SMD was 4.78 (95% CI = - 0.53 to 10.09, P = 0.08) with moderate-to-high heterogeneity (I-2 = 68%, P = 0.02). Conclusion This meta-analysis reveals a moderate association between dyslipidemia, especially elevated triglycerides, and HOA. While lipid abnormalities may play a role in HOA development, the evidence for LDL and HDL is less clear. Limitations in study definitions and populations suggest the need for further research to better understand these relationships and their implications for prevention and management strategies in HOA.