Title:Association Between Gallstone Disease and Risk of Mortality of
Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer: A Systematic Review and
Meta-Analysis
Volume: 24
Issue: 1
Author(s): Rasoul Rahimi, Shahab Masoumi, Ahmadreza Badali, Negar jafari, Saeid Heidari-Soureshjani*Catherine M.T. Sherwin
Affiliation:
- Modeling in Health Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord,
Iran
Keywords:
Gallstone disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, mortality, Begg's test, Egger's test.
Abstract:
Background: Gallstone disease (GD) is increasing in the world and has various complications.
Objective: This study aims to examine the relationship between GD and the risk of mortality from
cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach.
Methods: A comprehensive and systematic search was done in various databases, such as Web of
Science (WOS), Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase. The search included
studies published from 1980 to December 2023. Heterogeneity was assessed using Chi-square, I2,
and forest plots, while publication bias was evaluated through Begg's and Egger's tests. All analyses
were performed using Stata 15, with statistical significance set at p <0.05.
Results: A pooled analysis of five studies involving 161,671 participants demonstrated that individuals
with GD had a significantly higher risk of mortality from CVD (RR 1.29, 95% CI:
1.11-1.50, p <0.001). Importantly, no evidence of publication bias was found based on the results
of Begg's test (p =0.806) and Egger's test (p =0.138). Furthermore, the pooled analysis of seven
studies, encompassing a total of 562,625 participants, indicated an increased risk of cancer mortality
among individuals with GD (RR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.16-1.82, p <0.001). Similarly, no publication
bias was detected through Begg's test (p =0.133) and Egger's test (p =0.089).
Conclusion: In this study, the evidence of a significant association between GD and an elevated
risk of mortality from CVD and canceris provided. These findings suggest that implementing targeted
interventions for individuals with gallstone disease could reduce mortality rates among these
patients.