BMC gastroenterology
Cure8 research brief
Why This Matters
This review pools available pediatric data showing ustekinumab can induce and maintain remission after anti‑TNF failure, offering a treatment option for children with refractory IBD. Results are most robust for Crohn’s disease; findings for pediatric UC are preliminary.
Who Should Pay Attention
Pediatric IBD patients (and their caregivers) who failed anti‑TNF therapy, pediatric gastroenterologists, and researchers in pediatric IBD therapeutics.
Study Snapshot
Story typeResearch paper
Evidence typeSystematic review
Source depthJournal abstract
What To Know
This meta-analysis pooled data from 15 studies of ustekinumab (UST) in 653 pediatric IBD patients who had failed anti‑TNF therapy. The authors report pooled clinical remission rates of about 57% at 8–16 weeks and 68% at week 52, with steroid‑free remission rates lower early and improving by one year.
Endoscopic and biochemical remission were reported but varied across studies. Adverse events were reported in roughly 20% of patients and serious adverse events in about 1%.
The review suggests UST can be an effective and generally well‑tolerated option for children with IBD after anti‑TNF failure, particularly for Crohn’s disease where the pooled one‑year remission estimate was 69%.
However, the authors note substantial inter‑study heterogeneity and limited precision for some subgroup estimates (notably pediatric UC), so individual treatment decisions should still be individualized and discussed with a clinician.
Keep In Mind
Based on the article abstract; included studies varied in design and outcome reporting, producing substantial heterogeneity. The UC subgroup estimates are less precise.
Source Details
Review the original publication for the complete reporting, methods, and context.
Systematic review
Evidence type derived from source or registry metadata.
PublicationBMC gastroenterology
AuthorsZhaoyang Heng, Li Zhan, Yuhan Zhang +8 more
InstitutionFirst Clinical College, Henan Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China.
Study typeJournal article, systematic review
Indexed viaPubMed
Source typeResearch paper
PublishedJul 20, 2026, 12:00 AM
Content availableJournal abstract
Conflict statement: Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Not applicable. All patient data used in this study were sourced from previously published studies; therefore, no ethical approval was required. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.
This Cure8 brief is based on source text from the linked article. Cure8 is informational only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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