Published online Jul 7, 2018. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i25.2764
Peer-review started: April 13, 2018
First decision: April 27, 2018
Revised: April 30, 2018
Accepted: June 2, 2018
Article in press: June 2, 2018
Published online: July 7, 2018
Core tip: The increased risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) and other Mycobacterium species when on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) inhibitor treatments has been a problem in patients with autoimmune disorders, such as Crohn’s disease (CD). This meta-analysis examines in detail the clinical trials that involve CD patients on TNFα inhibitors and their risk of developing TB infections. Our data concludes that, out of twenty-three studies examined, TNFα inhibitors are indeed associated with an increased risk of TB infection in CD patients. Knowledge of this data could help re-analyze what medications autoimmune patients should be prescribed to and evaluate possible linkages to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis infection. Thus, this information should be used to further inform clinical decision making and research.