Background and objective: Epidemiological studies have reported conflicting results concerning the role of central obesity in lower urinary tract symptoms. We performed a meta-analysis to determine whether larger waist circumference (WC) is a predicted signal for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUT). Data resource: Eligible studies were retrieved by searching PubMed, Web of science, and the Cochrane Library database up to January 2014.
Study eligibility criteria: Prospective and retrospective cohort, case-controlled trials and observational studies.
Data extraction: Data were extracted and analyzed using random effect models to reveal an array of risk factors. Dose-response meta-analysis was performed for studies reporting categorical risk estimates at multiple exposure levels. Study heterogeneity and publication biases were assessed.
Data synthesis: A total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria of the meta-analysis. A positive association with waist circumference (WC) was observed between WC and LUTS at an odds ratio of 1.49, (95% confidence intervals 1.34-1.64). In subgroup analysis, WC exhibited a positive dose-dependent relationship with LUTS in mostly study design, region and primary outcomes.
Limitation: Potential biases from preferential publication and selective reporting.
Conclusion: Large WC is associated with increased risk of LUTS. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding and to define related biological mechanisms.
Keywords: LUTS; obesity; waist circumference.