The relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms and irritable bowel syndrome: a meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies.

Introduction: While several epidemiologic studies have investigated the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it remains unclear. To investigate the relationship between IBS and LUTS, a systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies was carried out.

Evidence Acquisition: Online databases were searched up to December 1st, 2017 for cross-sectional studies that evaluated the association between IBS and the risk of LUTS. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated.

Evidence Synthesis: In all, 9 articles that contained 19907 participants and 2620 cases of LUTS were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with the non-IBS group, the IBS group had a higher risk of LUTS (total OR=2.11, 95% CI: 1.91-2.33, P<0.00001). Patients with IBS were more likely to have urine storage symptoms (total OR=1.80, 95% CI: 1.34-2.42, P<0.0001). Subgroup analysis by gender showed that the IBS group had a higher risk of LUTS in both men (total OR=2.17, 95% CI: 1.82-2.58, P<0.00001) and women (total OR=1.85, 95% CI: 1.57-2.17, P<0.00001).

Conclusions: Our meta-analysis provides evidence that IBS is associated with an increased risk of LUTS in both men and women.