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Risk factors of cerebral small vessel disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Zheng Wang1, Qin Chen, Jiajie Chen

  • 1Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.

Medicine
|December 23, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and smoking are key risk factors for cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Controlling these conditions is crucial for preventing CSVD and its related neurological complications.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a prevalent neurological condition influenced by various factors.
  • Existing research on CSVD risk factors presents conflicting conclusions.
  • A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted to clarify the established risk factors for CSVD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically identify and quantify the risk factors associated with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD).
  • To provide evidence-based insights for the prevention and management of CSVD.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was performed across five major databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wan Fang) up to November 30, 2020.
  • Studies were screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.
  • Data extraction and meta-analysis were conducted using RevMan 5.4 software.

Main Results:

  • The meta-analysis included 29 studies with 16,587 participants.
  • Hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and smoking were significantly associated with an increased risk of lacune.
  • Hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and smoking were also significantly linked to white matter hyperintensity, a key indicator of CSVD. Alcohol consumption did not show a significant association with either outcome.

Conclusions:

  • Hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and smoking are confirmed as significant risk factors for cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD).
  • Effective management and control of these modifiable risk factors are essential for CSVD prevention strategies.
  • Public health initiatives should focus on addressing these risk factors to reduce the burden of CSVD.
Abstract

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