Waist circumference and risk of lower urinary tract symptoms: a meta-analysis

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.

Prospective and retrospective cohort, case-controlled trials and observational studies.

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.

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.

Potential biases from preferential publication and selective reporting.

Large WC is associated with increased risk of LUTS. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding and to define related biological mechanisms.