HIV infection increases the risk of inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveIn order to synthesize available results regarding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide quantitative estimates of associated risk.MethodsA systematic search of four scientific databases, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Scopus, was performed. The overall odds ratio (OR) with the corresponding 95% CI was calculated via a random effects model. Sensitivity analyses and tests for publication bias were then performed.ResultsOf the 3046 articles retrieved, seven studies with a cumulative sample size greater than 57,000,000 were included in our analysis. A subsequent meta-analysis based on a random effects model (heterogeneity test, I2 = 99.9) revealed an association between HIV infection and IBD: OR = 2.68 (95% CI: 1.17, 6.13). The funnel plot of this meta-analysis was asymmetric (Egger's test: P = 0.01), and significant publication bias was found. Sensitivity analysis of the 3 dimensions revealed that the results of this meta-analysis were relatively stable.ConclusionsA significant correlation may exist between HIV infection and intestinal disease, and more large-scale studies are needed to draw firm conclusions. It is recommended that HIV patients be screened for intestinal diseases.