Integrin antagonists are effective and safe for Crohn's disease: A meta-analysis

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of integrin antagonists, including natalizumab and vedolizumab, in Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: We carried out a literature search in Pubmed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library to screen for citations from January 1990 to August 2014. Data analysis was performed using Review Manager version 5.2. RESULTS: A total of 1340 patients from five studies were involved in this meta-analysis. During 6-12 wk treatment, integrin antagonists increased the rate of clinical response and remission with OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.37-2.09 and 1.84, 95% CI: 1.44-2.34, respectively. No significant difference was found between integrin antagonists and placebo treatments regarding their adverse reactions (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.83-1.38) and serious adverse reactions (OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.57-1.15). CONCLUSION: The results prove the efficacy and safety of integrin antagonists for CD treatment, although the treatment strategies varied.