HIV infection increases the risk of inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

In order to synthesize available results regarding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide quantitative estimates of associated risk. A systematic search of four scientific databases, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Scopus, was performed. The overall odds ratio (OR) with the corresponding 95% CI was calculated via a random effects model. Sensitivity analyses and tests for publication bias were then performed. Of the 3046 articles retrieved, seven studies with a cumulative sample size greater than 57,000,000 were included in our analysis. A subsequent meta-analysis based on a random effects model (heterogeneity test, I = 99.9) revealed an association between HIV infection and IBD: OR = 2.68 (95% CI: 1.17, 6.13). The funnel plot of this meta-analysis was asymmetric (Egger's test: P = 0.01), and significant publication bias was found. Sensitivity analysis of the 3 dimensions revealed that the results of this meta-analysis were relatively stable. A significant correlation may exist between HIV infection and intestinal disease, and more large-scale studies are needed to draw firm conclusions. It is recommended that HIV patients be screened for intestinal diseases.