Bidirectional association between NAFLD and gallstone disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. (4th March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gu, Shengying; Hu, Shanshan; Wang, Shuowen; Qi, Chendong; Shi, Chenyang; Fan, Guorong
• Is Part Of: Expert review of gastroenterology & hepatology. Volume 17:Number 3(2023)
• Page Start: 283
• Page End: 293
• Publication Date: 2023-03-04
• Subjects: NAFLD -- gallstone disease -- meta-analysis -- incidence -- bidirectional association; Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; Liver -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.3
• DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2023.2175671
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-4124

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Growing evidence indicates an association between NAFLD and gallstone disease (GD), while some does not support this. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the bidirectional association between NAFLD and GD. Research design and methods: Five electronic databases were searched from inception to May 2022. The association was analyzed based on the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) with Reviewer Manager 5.3. Results: Ten studies involving 284, 512 participants met the criteria for GD predicting the onset of NAFLD. GD patients had a higher incidence of NAFLD (OR:1.48, CI:1.32–1.65, p < 0.00001), especially the incidence of moderate-to-severe NAFLD (OR:1.63; CI:1.40–1.79), with females at a higher risk (OR: 1.84; CI: 1.48–2.29). The inverse association was explored in eight studies involving 326, 922 participants. The GD incidence in NAFLD patients was higher (OR:1.71, CI:1.63–1.79, p < 0.00001) and may increase due to female sex (OR: 4.18; CI: 1.21–14.37) and high BMI (OR: 1.80; CI: 1.36–2.56), compared with the non-NAFLD group. Besides, this bidirectional association was also confirmed in the Chinese population. Conclusions: The findings supported positive concurrent and bidirectional relationships between NAFLD and GD. Therefore, clinicians may alert the possibility of NAFLD in patients with GD and vice versa.