DefinePK

Abstract

Objectives: Short bowel syndrome (SBS), characterized by insufficient absorptive surface after extensive intestinal resection, results in chronic intestinal failure and reliance on parenteral nutrition. This meta-analysis aimed to examine the adverse events associated with teduglutide treatment for SBS.
Methodology: Comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and CINAHL databases for studies of SBS patients who received teduglutide as part of their therapeutic regimen and time period of search was from inception of database till last date of search (30 June 2023). Given nature of research question and absence of control arms, we performed a single-arm meta-analysis to pool prevalence estimates of each adverse event using random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed by chi-square test and I2 statistic and publication bias was evaluated using Egger’s test.
Results: Overall, 17 studies were included in analysis. Meta-analysis revealed that gastrointestinal side effects were prevalent in about 49% of patients [95%CI:0.32-0.66]. Upper respiratory tract infections, central venous catheter-related infections, pyrexia and sepsis were seen in 29% [95%CI:0.20-0.39], 11% [95%CI:0.04-0.20], 23% [95%CI:0.11-0.37] and 22% [95%CI:0.13-0.31] of patients, respectively. Hepatic, biliary and pancreatic complications, electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, cardiac complications, injection site reactions and urinary tract infections had prevalence of 11% [95%CI:0.07-0.17], 13% [95%CI:0.00-0.37], 11% [95%CI:0.08-0.16], 5% [95%CI:0.00-0.12], 13% [95%CI:0.05-0.24] and 12% [95%CI:0.06-0.21], respectively.
Conclusion: This meta-analysis highlights the significant adverse event profile associated with teduglutide in the management of SBS. While the drug presents an essential therapeutic option, healthcare professionals must carefully monitor the occurrence of these side effects.