BACKGROUND: The results of studies on association between ABCB1 gene polymorphisms and glucocorticoid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (GANFH) are controversial. This study aimed to assess the association of ABCB1 gene polymorphisms with the risk of GANFH by conducting a meta-analysis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched for papers that describe the association between ABCB1 polymorphisms and GANFH risk. Summary odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated based on a fixed-effects model or random-effects model, depending on the absence or presence of significant heterogeneity.

RESULTS: A total of 5 studies and 833 patients were included in the final analysis. Significant differences were found for rs1045642 polymorphism in the comparisons of CC vs. CT+TT (OR, 1.462; 95% CI, 1.066–2.007; P=0.019), and rs2032582 polymorphism in the comparisons of GG vs. G(TA)+(TA)(TA) (OR, 1.548; 95% CI,1.063–2.255; P=0.023).

CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that the ABCB1 polymorphisms (rs1045642 and rs2032582) significantly reduced the risk of GANFH.

Keywords: Femur Head Necrosis - genetics, Confidence Intervals, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Glucocorticoids - adverse effects, Odds Ratio, P-Glycoproteins - genetics, Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide - genetics, Publication Bias, Risk Factors