Obesity is a risk factor for epidural lipomatosis: a meta-analysis

Purpose: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to summarize the evidence associations between obesity factors and spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) evaluate strength validity these associations. Methods: Electronic databases such as Wiley Online Library, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library were searched manual retrieval references, time limit from establishment database May 2020. Methodological quality evaluations included studies assessed using bias risk assessment tool recommended by Guidelines. RevMan 5.3 software used for meta-analysis. Results: Finally, seven meta-analysis, all which observational with mixed risk. These involved 807 patients, an average age 64 73.6 years, 59.4 percent participants male. sample sizes ranged 28 288. results showed that high body mass index (BMI) one affecting SEL ( P < 0.01, MD 1.37, 95% CI [0.81, 1.92]). All reviews had a bias, most common source there no strict unified case diagnosis standard researches, some (four items) did not clearly describe confounders they controlled. Conclusions: We suggest physicians should consider BMI factor leading SEL, control weight actively be considered preferred treatment strategy before surgical intervention is conducted.