IJsselstein Screening for Central Obesity to detect metabolic syndrome

The Health Council of the Netherlands concluded in 2004 that a general
population screening for type 2 diabetes is not recommended, but suggested a
screening focussed on prevention of cardiovascular diseases to be performed in
a high-risk group of obese subjects. Such a screening is the IJSCO study, where
we aim to detect metabolic syndrome patients. The concurrence of cardiovascular
risk factors in the metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of
cardiovascular diseases.

1) To determine the prevalence of MetS in the patient population of the MMIJ in
IJsselstein aged 20 to 70 years
2) To assess the effectiveness of population screening for MetS by general
practitioners in a medium-size city in the Netherlands

Eligible patients (except patients known with diabetes (type 1 or 2),
hypertension, dyslipidaemia, or metabolic syndrome) will be invited to measure
their waist circumference with a provided tape measure and record this on a
stamped addressed card. Patients with a waist circumference above the cut-off
value of 88 cm (for women) or 102 cm (for men) will be invited to attend a
visit to investigate the presence of the other cardiovascular risk factors of
the metabolic syndrome. Investigations will include physical examination, blood
and urine collection and a questionnaire.
For patients known with diabetes (type 1 or 2), hypertension, dyslipidaemia, or
metabolic syndrome the data will be extracted from their medical dossiers.

The burden associated with the study for the patient is minimal: one visit (20
minutes) and one venapuncture. The only risk is possibly a small hematoma at
the venapuncture site. The possible benefit for the patient is the reduction of
cardiovascular risk by treatment of the detected cardiovascular risk factors.