Association between Smoking and Dupuytren Contracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Medical research
• Epidemiology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Smoking is a suspected risk factor for Dupuytren's disease, but evidence remains inconclusive.
• The association's directionality and strength require further quantification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically evaluate and quantify the association between smoking and Dupuytren's disease prevalence.
• To provide robust evidence on smoking as a risk factor for this condition.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive systematic database search was performed to identify relevant comparative studies.
• Pairwise meta-analysis with a random-effects model was used to pool data from 22 studies.
• Analysis included over 1.5 million participants (smokers and non-smokers).

Main Results:

• Dupuytren's disease prevalence was 5.6% in smokers versus 4.4% in non-smokers.
• Current active smokers had 1.45 times increased odds (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.06-1.98).
• Any smoking history conferred a 1.5-fold increased odds (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.20-1.88), robust to sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions:

• A statistically significant association exists between smoking and Dupuytren's disease.
• Smoking cessation is recommended for patients with Dupuytren's disease.
• Further research is needed to determine if cessation impacts disease progression or recurrence.