Prevalence of Urolithiasis in Children from the EMRO Region: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Description
Urolithiasis in children is associated with high recurrence rates and complications, and its prevalence has been rising in recent decades due to metabolic and non-metabolic risk factors. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of pediatric urolithiasis in the EMRO region. This systematic review was conducted using international databases, including Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, and ProQuest, covering available data up to the end of August 2024. The Cochran test and I² statistics were applied to assess study heterogeneity. Additional analyses were performed using STATA software version 14.
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This study presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of urinary stones prevalence among children in the EMRO region, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Search strategy: This study utilized both MeSH and non-MeSH terms, including keywords related to prevalence and epidemiology across various EMRO countries. Terms related to urolithiasis and demographic categories were also included. Searches were conducted across international electronic databases. Data extraction was conducted until August 2024. The Google Scholar database was additionally searched for grey literature. Reference lists from retrieved articles were reviewed. Data were organized in EndNote X7 to eliminate duplicates. Each review stage involved an independent assessment by two researchers to ensure selection accuracy. Eligibility criteria: The study included observational studies on urinary stones in the pediatric population from EMRO countries without time restrictions. Both male and female participants were considered in the study population. Included studies were required to report prevalence rates of urinary stones in children. Studies not exclusively targeting children included individuals under 18 as pediatric. Certain publication types, including reviews and case reports, were excluded. Studies without sample size data were omitted from the meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses categorized populations into general, high-risk children, and those with kidney disorders. The general population included healthy children, while high-risk children were from specific vulnerable settings. The kidney disorders group included children with various renal conditions. Additionally, income indices of the countries were sourced from the World Bank Group and the United Nations Development Program. Quality appraisal: The quality of the articles was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. This scale comprises three sections: Selection, Comparability, and Outcome, consisting of 4, 1, and 3 questions, respectively. Final scores, contingent on study design, range from 0 to 10 points. Studies scoring 7 or higher were classified as Good, 5 to 6 as Fair, and 4 or lower as Bad. Screening of studies: Two individuals conducted the initial study search. A pair of researchers independently screened studies, extracted results, and assessed article quality control, with the team leader resolving disagreements. Data extraction: Two independent researchers conducted the initial study search, screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. The team supervisor resolved discrepancies regarding study inclusion or exclusion. Data from selected articles were collected using a pre-designed checklist that documented essential study details. The checklist included authorship, publication year, study duration, sample size, location, income level, gender distribution, average age, diagnostic methods, and prevalence rates of urinary stones.
Institutions
- Ibb University