Tumour necrosis factor alpha blocking agents for induction of remission in ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND

Anti-TNF-alpha agents have been shown to be effective for the induction of remission in Crohn's disease. The role of TNF-alpha blocking agents in ulcerative colitis is, however, unclear and recent studies have yielded conflicting results.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of TNF-alpha antibody for induction of remission in ulcerative colitis, and to determine adverse events associated with TNF-alpha antibody treatment.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched MEDLINE (1966 to 2005), EMBASE (1984 to 2005), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Issue 3, 2004) and the IBD/FBD Review Group Specialized Trials Register. We hand-searched the articles cited in each publication.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Only randomised controlled trials in which patients with active ulcerative colitis (defined by a combination of clinical, radiographic, endoscopic and histologic criteria) were randomly allocated to receive a TNF-alpha blocking agent in the treatment arm, and to receive placebo or another treatment in the comparison arm were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data extraction and assessment of methodological quality of each study were independently performed by two reviewers. Any disagreement among reviewers was resolved by consensus. The main outcome measure was the occurrence of remission as defined by the primary studies. Other endpoints were clinical, histological or endoscopic improvement as defined by the primary studies; improvement in quality of life as measured by a validated quality of life tool and the occurrence of adverse events.

MAIN RESULTS

Seven randomised controlled trials were identified that satisfied the inclusion criteria. In patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis whose disease was refractory to conventional treatment using corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressive agents, infliximab (three intravenous infusions at 0, 2, and 6 weeks) was more effective than placebo in inducing clinical remission (Relative Risk (RR) 3.22, 95% CI 2.18 to 4.76); inducing endoscopic remission (RR 1.88, 95% CI 1.54 to 2.28); and in inducing clinical response (RR 1.99, 95% CI 1.65 to 2.41) at 8 weeks. A single infusion of infliximab was also more effective than placebo in reducing the need for colectomy within 90 days after infusion (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.87).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: In patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis whose disease is refractory to conventional treatment using corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressive agents, infliximab is effective in inducing clinical remission, inducing clinical response, promoting mucosal healing, and reducing the need for colectomy at least in the short term. Serious adverse events attributable to infliximab were not common in the included studies but physicians should be aware of and be prepared to deal with potential adverse events such as anaphylactic reactions and infections.