Infliximab clinically treating ulcerative colitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease requiring effective therapeutic strategies.
• Infliximab, an anti-tumor necrosis factor agent, has emerged as a potential treatment for UC, but its comparative efficacy and safety require thorough evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the efficacy and safety of infliximab in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).
• To compare infliximab treatment outcomes against placebo, steroids, and immunosuppressants in UC management.

Main Methods:

• A meta-analysis was conducted on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) identified through a comprehensive search of multiple databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, CBM, and CNKI).
• Studies compared infliximab to placebo, steroids, or immunosuppressants in patients with UC.
• Data synthesis involved combining odds ratios (OR) to assess treatment effectiveness and safety.

Main Results:

• Twenty-two studies involving 2080 patients demonstrated infliximab's significant advantage in short-term response (OR=4.01), long-term response (OR=3.53), and long-term remission (OR=2.80) compared to controls.
• Infliximab also significantly reduced the need for colectomy at 3 months (OR=0.38) and 12 months (OR=0.47).
• No significant difference was observed in short-term remission (OR=1.88) or adverse events (OR=0.76) between infliximab and control groups.

Conclusions:

• Infliximab is a more effective treatment option than placebo, steroids, or immunosuppressants for improving response and remission rates in ulcerative colitis.
• The safety profile of infliximab appears comparable to control treatments, with no significant increase in adverse effects.
• Further research is warranted to confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of infliximab in managing UC.