Introduction: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) may present increased risk of liver-related outcomes (LROs), but prior studies were limited by small sample size and/or conflicting results. Using a systematic review and meta-analytic approach, we aimed to determine the association between MetS and LROs in CHB.
Methods: Two researchers independently screened studies from the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to January 21, 2020, and extracted the data. Estimates were pooled using a random-effects model.
Results: We screened 2,228 articles and included 10 eligible studies (18,360 CHB patients, 2,557 with MetS). MetS was significantly associated with LROs overall (odds ratio = 2.45, 95% confidence interval = 1.39-4.32) but not the individual LRO components but subgroup analyses were limited by small study numbers.
Discussion/conclusion: MetS is associated with almost 3-folds higher risk of LROs in CHB and should be considered in management decisions. However, additional studies are needed.
Keywords: Diabetes; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Liver fibrosis; Mortality; Prognosis.
© 2022 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.