Risk of colorectal neoplasm in patients with acromegaly: A meta-analysis

AIM: To examine the risk of colorectal neoplasm in acromegalic patients by meta-analyzing all relevant controlled studies. METHODS: Extensive English language medical literature searches for human studies, up to December 2007, were performed using suitable keywords. Pooled estimates [odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI)] were obtained using either the fixed or random-effects model as appropriate. Heterogeneity between studies was evaluated with the Cochran Q test whereas the likelihood of publication bias was assessed by constructing funnel plots. Their symmetry was estimated by the adjusted rank correlation test. RESULTS: For hyperplastic polyps the pooled ORs with 95% CI were 3.557 (2.587-4.891) by fixed effects model and 3.703 (2.565-5.347) by random effects model. The Z test values for overall effect were 7.81 and 6.984, respectively (P < 0.0001). For colon adenomas the pooled ORs with 95% CI were 2.486 (1.908-3.238) (fixed effects model) and 2.537 (1.914-3.364) (random effects model). The Z test values were 6.747 and 6.472, respectively (P < 0.0001). For colon cancer the pooled OR with 95% CI was identical for both fixed and random effects model (OR, 4.351; 95% CI, 1.533-12.354; Z = 2.762, P = 0.006]. There was no significant heterogeneity and no publication bias in all the above meta-analyses. CONCLUSION: Acromegaly is associated with an increased risk of colorectal neoplasm.