Publication

Abstract : AIM or PURPOSE To assess the association between hypertension and other etiological risk factors associated with sublingual varices. MATERIALS and METHOD The search strategy aimed to retrieve both published and unpublished literature. The databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, EBSCO-APA PsycInfo, Web of Science, CINAHL, ProQuest, and Shodhganga. All retrieved citations underwent screening to assess compatibility with the inclusion criteria. The methodological validity of the included studies was critically appraised using the JBI critical appraisal tool. Quantitative data were aggregated and analyzed through a meta-analysis. For dichotomous data, the effect size was presented as odds ratios. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO CRD42023396643. RESULTS Among the nine studies included in this review, eight were cross-sectional, and one was a case-control study. The total number of participants in all nine studies was 3,854, with individual survey participant numbers ranging from 151 to 1,008. The methodological quality of all included studies was good. Risk factors such as smoking [OR 2.59 (95% CI 1.39, 4.81), p=0.003], hypertension [OR 4.99 (95% CI 1.86, 13.3), p=0.001], and cardiovascular diseases [OR 6.01 (95% CI 4.15, 8.70), p <0.001] were significantly associated with sublingual varices. CONCLUSION(S) Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and smoking are associated with sublingual varices, as indicated by the results of this review.