The association of gallstone disease and diabetes mellitus. A meta-analysis

Saudi Med J. 2014 Sep;35(9):1005-12.

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the association between diabetes mellitus and gallstone disease (GSD) by meta-analysis.

Methods: This study was carried out at Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China in September 2013. First, eligible studies were searched in PubMed and Cochrane Central databases from their inception to September 2013. Then, a random effect model was used to calculate the overall combined risk estimates. The meta-analysis included 403,001 cases and 411,877 controls from 6 case-control studies, 3 cohort studies, and 13 cross-sectional studies. Finally, statistical analyses were conducted according to the classification of study.

Results: Risk ratios for diabetes mellitus and GSD were 1.75 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44-2.13, p<0.00001], 1.76 (95% CI: 1.24-2.5, p<0.00001), and 2.02 (95% CI: 1.59-2.58, p<0.00001). Sensitivity analysis based on the exclusion of any study did not change the heterogeneity I-square test, and risk ratios. Little evidence of publication bias was observed.

Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggested that there was a very strong positive association between diabetes mellitus and risk of GSD in the patients.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cohort Studies
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diabetes Mellitus / physiopathology*
  • Gallstones / complications*
  • Humans