Analysis of clinical characteristics and risk factors for digestive system manifestations in rheumatic diseases

Abstract

Introduction/Objective The objective of the paper was to explore the risk factors and prediction models of digestive system complications in patients with rheumatic diseases.

Methods This case-control retrospective study enrolled 326 patients with rheumatic diseases (163 with digestive system involvement and 163 without), collecting demographic data, laboratory parameters (liver enzymes, lipid profiles, etc.), and disease types (rheumatoid arthritis, connective tissue diseases, gout, etc.). Potential variables were screened through univariate analysis, with independent risk factors subsequently identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results Univariate analysis revealed significantly higher proportions of males (35% vs. 20.2%, p = 0.003), alcohol consumption history (23.9% vs. 14.7%, p = 0.035), triglyceride (TG) (1.59 vs. 1.13 mmol/L, p < 0.001), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (21 vs. 19 U/L, p = 0.005) in the digestive system involvement group compared with controls. Multivariate logistic regression confirmed male gender (odds ratio [OR] = 2.276, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.184–4.376), elevated AST (OR = 1.039 per U/L, 95% CI: 1.005–1.074) and hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 5.456, 95% CI: 3.217–9.252) as independent risk factors (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion Male sex, elevated AST and hypertriglyceridemia constituted core predictive factors for digestive complications in rheumatic diseases, with a 445.6% increased risk observed at TG levels > 1.6 mmol/L, necessitating targeted intensive monitoring and clinical intervention.

Keywords: rheumatic diseases; digestive system; risk factors