Association between novel inflammatory markers and overactive bladder: a cross-sectional study of NHANES 2009 to 2018

To investigate the relationship between Overactive Bladder (OAB) and inflammatory markers, including the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII), Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), and Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI).

This cross-sectional study drew upon data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning the 2009-2018 cycles, including 19,194 participants, with OAB identified using the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) based on survey responses. Multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses were employed to evaluate the association between these markers and OAB. Subgroup analysis is used to identify potential influencing factors and ensure the robustness of the study results.

Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated notable positive correlations between OAB and SII (Q4 OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.06-1.46), NLR (Q4 OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.12-1.49), and SIRI (Q4 OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.05-1.43), with no significance for PLR. Trend tests showed statistical significance for SII, NLR, and SIRI, but not for PLR. RCS analysis also showed a nonlinear relationship among SII, NLR, SIRI, and OAB. It is noteworthy that age is a key influencing factor in the subgroup analysis. These findings suggest that systemic inflammation may play a crucial role in OAB pathophysiology, and inflammatory markers like SII, NLR, and SIRI could serve as potential indicators for identifying individuals at higher risk of OAB, thereby informing early intervention strategies.

SII, NLR, and SIRI are positively associated with OAB, suggesting a potential role of inflammation in its pathogenesis. However, further validation through prospective cohort studies is needed to establish their clinical utility and causal relationship with OAB.