The Efficacy of Golimumab Against Non-Infectious Uveitis: A PRISMA-Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT

Purpose

In this PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the efficacy of golimumab (GOL) against non-infectious uveitis (NIU).

Methods

We included eight articles in the meta-analysis. The primary outcome was inflammation remission. Secondary outcomes were changes in the number of uveitis relapses/attacks, mean best-corrected visual acuity, central macular thickness, and systemic corticosteroid-sparing effects.

Results

In total, eight case series with 172 patients (43.6% female) were collected. Patients had 75% (95% CI: 56–87%) of remission; 42% (0.12–0.80) of patients showed improved visual acuity. The average central macular thickness decline was 38 μm (−56.51–18.54). The pooled results showed a significant decrease in the use of systemic corticosteroids.

Conclusion

This study was limited by the use of non-RCT designs, limited sample sizes for outcomes, and heterogenetic underlying diseases. Our results suggest that GOL is effective against NIU. However, further evidence and analyses are required. (Funding: None; PROSPERO registration: CRD42021266214.)

KEYWORDS:

• A systematic review
• golimumab
• meta-analysis
• TNF-α inhibitor
• uveitis

Authors’ contributions

KO and YZ conceived the study, developed the criteria, searched the literature, and wrote the protocol. YST assisted in protocol design, managed the literature, selected the studies, performed data analysis, and wrote the protocol. NH and TT advised on the protocol design and revised the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Disclosure statement

YZ, YST, NH, and TT have no conflicts of interest to declare. KO is an employee of Nippon Ciba Geigy Co.; however, this study was conducted independently from the company. This study received no external funding.

Data availability statement

Data extracted from the included studies and used for all analyses can be obtained from the figures and tables in this manuscript. R packages can be obtained online. The study protocol can be obtained from PROSPERO via the registration number CRD42021266214.

Supplemental data

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/09273948.2022.2081584

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.