Disease recurrence in patients with Crohn's disease after biologic therapy or surgery: a meta-analysis

Background Relapse is a problem in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) after medical therapy (including biologics) and after surgery to treat acute inflammation. It is unclear whether the recurrence rate over time is higher after surgical therapy than after continuous drug treatment. Aim We sought to compare clinical relapse rates and the need for re-interventions (resection or therapeutic endoscopic intervention) in patients with CD. Methods A meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Results The need for one of the three re-interventions (surgery, biologics or both) increased over time. The recurrence rates in patients after ileocecal resection were lower than the rates under biologic therapy. The odds ratio for clinical recurrence under biologics versus after surgical treatment was 2.50 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.53-4.08, p-value < 0.001). The odds ratio for surgical recurrence under biologics versus after surgery was 3.60 (95% CI 1.06-12.3, p-value 0.041). Conclusion These findings support surgical resection as a treatment option in patients with CD with limited disease.

Automated summary

This study aimed to compare the clinical relapse rates and the need for re-interventions in patients with Crohn's disease after surgical therapy and continuous drug treatment. The results showed that the recurrence rates were higher after biologic therapy and surgical resection was an effective treatment option.