Primary sclerosing cholangitis and the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

A diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) has been associated with increased risk of hepatobiliary cancers, colorectal cancer and all-cause mortality in several studies, while associations with cardiovascular disease have been inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published cohort studies on the topic to summarize these associations. PubMed and Embase databases were searched up to January 13th, 2020. Cohort studies on PSC and risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, or mortality were included. Summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated using random effects models. The summary RR (95% CI) comparing persons with PSC to persons without PSC was 584.37 (269.42-1267.51, I-2=89%, n=4) for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), 155.54 (125.34-193.02, I-2=0%, n=3) for hepatobiliary cancer, 30.22 (11.99-76.17, I-2=0%, n=2) for liver cancer, 16.92 (8.73-32.78, I-2=88%, n=4) for gastrointestinal cancer, 7.56 (2.42-23.62, I-2=0%, n=3) for pancreatic cancer, 6.10 (4.19-8.87, I-2=14%, n=7) for colorectal cancer (CRC), 4.13 (2.99-5.71, I-2=80%, n=5) for total cancer, 3.55 (2.94-4.28, I-2=46%, n=5) for all-cause mortality, and 1.57 (0.25-9.69, I-2=79%, n=2) for cardiovascular disease. Strong positive associations were observed between PSC and risk of CCA, hepatobiliary cancer, liver cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, pancreatic cancer, CRC, total cancer, and all-cause mortality, but not for cardiovascular disease.

Automated summary

A diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis is strongly associated with an increased risk of hepatobiliary cancers, colorectal cancer, and all-cause mortality, but not with cardiovascular disease.