Comparison of maintenance effect of probiotics and aminosalicylates on ulcerative colitis: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the maintenance effect of probiotics versus that of aminosalicylates on ulcerative colitis. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and the Chinese Biomedical Database were searched in English or Chinese. Data extracted were selected with strict criteria. RESULTS In six randomized controlled trials (RCTs), a total of 721 participants were enrolled and the maintenance effect of probiotics (n = 364) versus that of aminosalicylates (n = 357) on ulcerative colitis was investigated. No significant difference was observed between probiotics and aminosalicylate groups (relative risk (RR) = 1.08; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.91-1.28; P = 0.40). Three RCTs compared the incidence of adverse events with probiotics versus those with aminosalicylates. No significant difference was observed in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups (RR = 1.20; 95% CI: 0.92-1.56; P = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS Probiotics and aminosalicylates both showed a maintenance effect on ulcerative colitis. However, more well-designed RCTs are required.