Carotid intima-media thickness in patients with hyperuricemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Li-Hui Peng1, Yue He2, Wang-Dong Xu3

  • 1Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 1 Xianglin Road, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.

Insights

Hyperuricemia is linked to increased carotid intima-media thickness, a marker of cardiovascular disease risk. This meta-analysis confirms this association, suggesting hyperuricemia patients may face higher cardiovascular event risks.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Metabolic Diseases

Background:

  • Cardiovascular events pose significant risks for hyperuricemia patients.
  • The precise role of serum uric acid in cardiovascular disease remains debated.
  • Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is an indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between hyperuricemia and carotid intima-media thickness.
  • To compare CIMT in individuals with and without hyperuricemia through a meta-analysis.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted using data from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases.
  • Standard mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to assess CIMT differences.
  • Sensitivity, subgroup, and meta-regression analyses were performed to address heterogeneity and publication bias.

Main Results:

  • Eight studies were included, revealing a significant increase in CIMT in hyperuricemia groups compared to controls (SMD = 0.264, 95% CI [0.161-0.366], P < 0.001).
  • Subgroup and meta-regression analyses did not identify significant sources of heterogeneity among factors like age, BMI, blood pressure, smoking, or diabetes.
  • Publication bias was assessed and found to be non-significant (Begg's test P = 0.174).

Conclusions:

  • Hyperuricemia is associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness.
  • This finding suggests that individuals with hyperuricemia may have an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases.
  • Further research may elucidate the mechanisms linking hyperuricemia to vascular changes.
Abstract

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