COVID-19 AND IBD: LOOK BEYOND THE VIRUS. A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS FOCUSED ON BIOLOGIC THERAPY CONTINUITY.
Arq GastroenterolSep 21, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchGastroenterology
Mariana Rolim, Andrea Benevides Leite, Lauro Vieira Perdigão Neto et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) outcomes in approximately 1,300 adults. The study found that prior COVID-19 did not worsen IBD clinical course (OR: 1.06; 95%CI: 0.76-1.49), but was associated with significant biologic therapy delays or discontinuation (OR: 10.44; 95%CI: 3.56-30.62).
Key findings
- Prior SARS-CoV-2 infection did not worsen IBD clinical outcomes (OR: 1.06; 95%CI: 0.76-1.49).
- COVID-19 was linked to a significant increase in biologic therapy discontinuation (OR: 10.44; 95%CI: 3.56-30.62).
- Flares were more frequent when biologics were delayed or stopped (~52% vs ~18%; RD ≈ +34 p.p.).
Why it matters
Understanding the relationship between COVID-19 and IBD outcomes is crucial for managing treatment strategies. This study highlights the importance of maintaining biologic therapy to prevent disease flares in IBD patients during the pandemic.