Correlation Between Thyroid Nodules and Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #metabolic-syndrome #prevalence #risk-factors #thyroid-nodule

Correlation Between Thyroid Nodules and Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Zhang et al., 2021 | Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) | Systematic Review

Citation

Zhang Chenyu, Gao Xiaotong, ... Shan Zhongyan. Correlation Between Thyroid Nodules and Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021;12:730279. doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.730279

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Thyroid nodules (TNs) are a common thyroid disorder that can be caused by many factors. Several studies have investigated the relationship between TNs and metabolic syndrome (MetS), but the role of sex and age remains controversial. The purpose of this paper was to analyze published data from all relevant studies to reliably estimate the relationship between TNs and MetS. METHODS: Thirteen articles were included in this study; articles were identified by searching for publications until July 2021 in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and the Web of Science. The outcomes are presented as the summary odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) and the pooled prevalence and 95% CI. RESULTS: The TNs prevalence was significantly higher in MetS patients than in controls (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.42-2.50, P < 0.0001) and was independent of sex (male: OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.20-1.94, P = 0.0006; female: OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.54-2.33, P < 0.00001; combined: OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.31-3.25, P = 0.002) and age (< 40 years old: OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.39-1.89, P < 0.0001; 40~50 years old: OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.49-3.08, P < 0.0001;50~60 years old: OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.08-2.07, P = 0. 01; 60 years old: OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.36-2.14, P < 0.00001); the pooled TNs prevalence in MetS patients was 45% (95% CI 36-54%). However, it has not yet been considered that MetS is related to TNs in people with iodine deficiency (OR 3.14, 95% CI 0.92-10.73, P = 0.07). CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis results showed a strong correlation between TNs and MetS. Both male and female patients with MetS had an increased TNs prevalence. In addition, the prevalence was independent of age. However, MetS is not considered to be associated with TNs in iodine-deficient populations.

Key Findings

The TNs prevalence was significantly higher in MetS patients than in controls (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.42-2.50, P < 0.0001) and was independent of sex (male: OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.20-1.94, P = 0.0006; female: OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.54-2.33, P < 0.00001; combined: OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.31-3.25, P = 0.002) and age (< 40 years old: OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.39-1.89, P < 0.0001; 40~50 years old: OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.49-3.08, P < 0.0001;50~60 years old: OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.08-2.07, P = 0. 01; 60 years old: OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.36-2.14

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population mets had an increased
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition deficiency

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Metabolic Syndrome
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Thyroid Nodule

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: iodine

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09