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Causal relationship between varicose veins and hydrocele: A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Chunzhi Guo1,2, Yan Qu1, Hong Liu1
1General Surgery/Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of ZunYi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
SAGE Open Medicine
|June 30, 2025
Summary
Varicose veins may increase the risk of developing hydroceles, according to genetic analysis. However, hydroceles do not appear to cause varicose veins. This finding offers new insights for clinical practice and patient management.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
- Urology
Background:
- Varicose veins and hydroceles are common conditions with potential shared underlying factors.
- Understanding the causal relationship is crucial for effective clinical management and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential causal relationship between varicose veins and hydroceles using genetic data.
- To determine the directionality of any causal link between these two conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) data for Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
- Employed Inverse Variance-Weighted (IVW) as the primary MR method, with weighted median and MR-Egger for validation.
- Conducted sensitivity analyses to assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy.
Main Results:
- Varicose veins showed a statistically significant causal effect on hydroceles (OR=1.117, P=0.014).
- No significant causal effect of hydroceles on varicose veins was observed (OR=0.983, P=0.330).
- Bidirectional analysis indicated no significant heterogeneity or pleiotropy.
Conclusions:
- Varicose veins are suggested as a potential risk factor for hydroceles.
- Hydroceles were not found to be a causal risk factor for varicose veins.
- Findings provide genetic evidence supporting a causal link, aiding in early identification and intervention for high-risk individuals.
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