Detection rate of psychogenic cough in patients with chronic cough in Chinese hospital: a meta analysis

Objective: This study aimed to systematically evaluate the prevalence of psychogenic cough in patients with chronic cough in China by meta-analysis, which may provide evidence for the empirical diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough and for the updating of related guidelines. Methods: Based on the pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, studies were searched in databases. Studies (English or Chinese) published before June 2015 were collected, and the prevalence of psychogenic cough in Chinese patients with chronic cough was analyzed. Results: The overall prevalence of psychological cough was 3.02% (95% CI: 2.53%-3.60%). There were heterogeneity and publication bias among these studies. Subgroup analysis: the prevalence of psychological cough in children was lower than in other patients (2.82%, OR=0.90, 95% CI: 2.21%-3.59%); the prevalence of psychological cough in children aged 7-14 years was higher than in children aged 3-6 years (6.22%, OR=2.14, 95% CI: 4.30%-8.90%); the prevalence of psychological cough in first class hospitals was lower than in other hospitals (2.73%, OR=0.66, 95% CI: 2.26%-3.30%); the prevalence of psychological cough in southern coastal areas was higher than in northern coastal areas, southern inland areas and northern inland areas and northern inland areas, respectively (3.94%, 95% CI: 3.11%-4.98%, OR=2.18, 1.56 and 1.53) (P<0.05 for all). Conclusion: In available studies, the prevalence of psychological cough in Chinese inpatients with chronic cough is 3.02% and higher in non-paediatrics departments, school-age children, non-first class hospitals and southern coastal areas. There are heterogeneity and publication bias in available studies.