LAUSR

INTRODUCTION Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) may present increased risk of liver-related outcomes (LROs) but prior studies were limited by small sample size and/or conflicting results. Using a systematic review and meta-analytic approach, we aimed to determine the association between MetS and LROs in CHB. METHODS Two researchers independently screened studies from the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to January 21, 2020 and extracted the data. Estimates were pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS We screened 2,228 articles and included 10 eligible studies (18,360 CHB patients, 2,557 with MetS). MetS was significantly associated with LROs overall (OR=2.45, 95%CI=1.39-4.32) but not the individual LRO components but subgroup analyses were limited by small study numbers. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION MetS is associated with almost 3 folds higher risk of LROs in CHB and should be considered in management decisions. However, additional studies are needed.