Meta-analysis technique confirms the effectiveness of anti-TNF-alpha in the management of active ulcerative colitis when administered in combination with corticosteroids.

BACKGROUND

TNF-alpha has an important role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). It therefore seems that infliximab, the antibody against TNF-alpha, is beneficial in the treatment of UC. The aim was to determine whether infliximab induces clinical response and remission in patients with UC using the meta-analysis technique.

MATERIAL/METHODS: The Pubmed and Embase databases were searched for studies investigating the efficacy of infliximab on UC. Data from 1966 to 2006 were collected. The keywords used to search were "ulcerative colitis" with "infliximab", "anti tumor necrosis factor", or "anti tumor necrosis factors". The reference lists from the retrieved articles were also reviewed for additional applicable studies.

RESULTS

The summary odds ratio (OR) for clinical remission in four studies was 3.24 with a 95%CI of 1.6-6.57 and a significant OR. The summary OR for clinical response in three studies was 3.93 with a 95%CI of 2.84-5.45 and a significant OR.

CONCLUSIONS

Infliximab is effective in inducing response and remission in patients with ulcerative colitis when administered in combination with corticosteroids.