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Meta-Analysis
. 2010 Dec;39(6):1605-18.
doi: 10.1093/ije/dyq120. Epub 2010 Jul 26.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of perinatal variables in relation to the risk of testicular cancer--experiences of the son

Michael B Cook  1 , Olof Akre, David Forman, M Patricia Madigan, Lorenzo Richiardi, Katherine A McGlynn
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis of perinatal variables in relation to the risk of testicular cancer--experiences of the son

Michael B Cook et al. Int J Epidemiol. 2010 Dec.

Abstract

Background: We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of perinatal variables in relation to testicular cancer risk, with a specific focus upon characteristics of the son.

Methods: Literature databases Scopus, EMBASE, PubMed and Web of Science were searched using highly sensitive search strategies. Of 5865 references retrieved, 67 articles met the inclusion criteria, each of which was included in at least one perinatal analysis.

Results: Random effects meta-analysis produced the following results for association with testicular cancer risk: birth weight [per kilogram, odds ratio (OR) = 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88-1.01, I(2)= 12%], low birth weight (OR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.08-1.67, I(2)= 51%), high birth weight (OR = 1.05, 95% CI 0.96-1.14, I(2)= 0%), gestational age (per week, OR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.92-0.98, I(2)= 38%; low vs not, OR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.07-1.59, I(2)= 49%), cryptorchidism (OR = 4.30, 95% CI 3.62-5.11, I(2)= 44%), inguinal hernia (OR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.37-1.94, I(2)= 38%) and twinning (OR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.03-1.44, I(2)= 22%). Meta-analyses of the variables birth length, breastfeeding and neonatal jaundice did not provide evidence for an association with testicular cancer risk. When low birth weight was stratified by data ascertainment (record/registry vs self-report), only the category of self-report was indicative of an association. Meta-regression of data ascertainment (record/registry vs self-report) inferred that record-/registry-based studies were less supportive of an association with gestational age (per week = 0.97, 95% CI 0.94-1.00, I(2)( )= 29%; low vs not = 1.08, 95% CI 0.91-1.28, I(2)= 32%).

Conclusion: In conclusion, this systematic review and meta-analysis finds evidence that cryptorchidism, inguinal hernia and twinning, and tentative evidence that birth weight and gestational age, are associated with risk of testicular cancer.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Forest plot of each variable’s meta-analytic summary estimate of association with testicular cancer
Figure 2
Figure 2
Forest plot of low birth weight and testicular cancer meta-analysis stratified by data ascertainment
Figure 3
Figure 3
Forest plot of gestational age (per week) and testicular cancer stratified by data ascertainment
Figure 4
Figure 4
Forest plot of cryptorchidism and testicular cancer meta-analysis stratified by study design
Figure 5
Figure 5
Forest plot of inguinal hernia and testicular cancer stratified by data ascertainment
Figure 6
Figure 6
Forest plot of twinning and testicular cancer stratified by study design
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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