Prevalence and magnitude of the association between hypertension and sialolithiasis: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the prevalence and magnitude of the association between hypertension and sialolithiasis. All papers that report on sialolithiasis/sialadenitis and hypertension published in English between January 1990 and September 2025 were eligible for inclusion. Five main electronic literature databases were searched. Risk of bias (RoB) of included articles was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for case–control, cohort, and observational studies. Out of 40 studies identified, 5 studies (2 case–control, 2 observational, and 1 cohort) met the inclusion criteria. Two case–control studies and the two observational studies were classified as low risk of bias, whereas the cohort study was classified as moderate risk of bias. The pooled prevalence across the included studies was 24% (95% CI 16–36%) under the random-effects model. Individuals diagnosed with sialolithiasis had about 16% higher odds of being hypertensive. This systematic review and meta-analysis estimated a pooled hypertension prevalence of 24% among patients with sialolithiasis, with 16% higher odds of hypertension compared with controls. However, this estimate should be interpreted with caution, as it is based on only two studies, one of which contributed most of the statistical weight. Given the limited evidence base, the current findings are insufficient to establish a definitive association, highlighting the need for well-designed prospective studies specifically aimed at evaluating the relationship between sialolithiasis and hypertension.