Hospitalization of patients with ulcerative colitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Hospitalization of ulcerative colitis patients is needed in se vere exacerbation of the disease or for managing complica tions. In this systematic review and meta-analysis the prev alence of hospitalization in ulcerative colitis and possible predictive factors are discussed. A systematic literature search of English language publications that were published before 31 December 2019 was conducted. Retrospective co hort studies describing hospitalizations of UC patients were included. Meta-analysis was performed by using comprehen sive meta-analysis software. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%Cls) were calculated for the number of patients hospitalized. Seven studies and 15 datasets were found that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In total, the studies included 2067 patients from six countries. The event rates for the number of patients hospitalized in a follow-up duration of 42,320 patient-years and for the number of patients underwent operation in a follow-up of 24,650 patient-years were 0.065 (95%CI 0.063-0.068) and 0.019 (95%CI 0.017-0.021), respec tively. More studies during the era of biologies need to be per-formed to identify the factors predictive of hospitalization and surgery with UC. Prevention of inflammation and UC compli cations may prevent hospitalization and the need for surgical treatment.