Effect of orlistat on serum uric acid level in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE

Hyperuricemia increases the risk of gout and cardiovascular diseases. Obesity increases the risk of hyperuricemia while weight loss (>5 kg) has been reported to decrease urate. The effects of orlistat on serum uric acid (SUA) are still controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the influence of orlistat on SUA levels in adults.

METHODS

Relevant studies, published up to May 2020, were searched systematically through PubMed/Medline, Scopus and Google Scholar. All relevant randomised controlled clinical trials were included. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effect model. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and meta-regression were also carried out.

RESULTS

Overall 7 trials (9 datasets) that enrolled 1786 subjects were included. Orlistat showed in a significant change in SUA level (Difference in means: -17.661 μmol, 95% CI: -31.615 to -3.707, P = .01). A low heterogeneity observed across the studies (I2 = 25.119%). After categorising studies on the basis of duration and sample size, the effect of orlistat on SUA was significant. The results of meta-regression were showed that significant relationships were not found between orlistat and SUA in the duration of intervention.

CONCLUSION

We found a significant reduction in SUA following orlistat therapy in adults.