Delayed-Release Phosphatidylcholine Is Effective for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is intrinsically missing in intestinal mucus of patients with ulcerative colitis. Topical supplementation with delayed intestinal release PC formulations is assumed to compensate this lack. Three monocenter randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a 30% PC-containing lecithin were successful, whereas 1 trial with >94% PC-containing lecithin failed. OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of 30% PC-containing lecithin provided in a delayed intestinal release formulation for treatment efficacy of ulcerative colitis was evaluated by meta-analysis of 3 RCTs. METHODS: Meta-analysis of 3 studies was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% Cl were calculated for remission, clinical and endoscopic improvement, histology, and life quality. p values <0.05 were accepted as significant. RESULTS: The meta-analysis of 3 RTCs with 160 included patients with ulcerative colitis verified that PC improved the rate of remission (OR = 9.68), as well as clinical (OR = 30.58) and endoscopic outcomes (OR = 36.73). Within the available patient population, also histology and quality of life became better. All effects were significant over placebo. Achieved remission was maintained in a higher percentage of patients under intestinal-release PC formulation than placebo. The profile of adverse events was identical to the placebo population. CONCLUSIONS: A 30% PC-containing lecithin in delayed intestinal release formulation improves clinical and endoscopic outcomes, histologic activity, and quality of life in patients with ulcerative colitis. For the patients, lack of adverse events is an important consideration.