Six randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included (n=653 participants).
No significant heterogeneity was found for any of the analyses; fixed-effect models were used.
Compared to mesalazine, balsalazide was associated with a statistically significant increase in symptomatic remission (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.47, p=0.02; three studies, n=297 participants) and complete remission (RR 1.3, 95% CI 1.002 to 1.68, p=0.048; three studies, n=396 participants).
There was no statistically significant difference between balsalazide and mesalazine in the risk of relapse (two studies, n=217 participants), any adverse event (five studies, n=630 participants) and withdrawal due to adverse events (six studies, n=691 participants).