Biologic drugs for induction and maintenance of remission in Crohn's disease: a network meta-analysis

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows: We aim to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of all RCTs that compare biologic drugs (TNF-α antagonists, integrin antagonists, or ustekinumab) against placebo or an active comparator in adults with CD. Using frequentist network meta-analysis, we aim to assess the efficacy of biologic drugs to treat CD and generate a clinically useful ranking of available biological drugs according to efficacy in terms of: 1) Induction and maintenance of clinical remission in CD, defined as a Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) below 150; 2) Induction and maintenance of clinical response in CD, defined as a drop in the CDAI of at least 70 (CDAI-70) or 100 (CDAI-100) points compared to baseline; and 3) Induction of endoscopic remission in CD, defined as an absence of ulceration.