BACKGROUND: Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is an effective first line treatment for active paediatric Crohn's disease (CD). AIM: To examine the effect of EEN on short- and long-term clinical outcome together with anthropometric measurements. METHODS: Retrospective case-note review in newly diagnosed CD (<16 years) who completed 8 weeks of EEN. Demographics, anthropometry, disease characteristics and inflammatory markers were collected at EEN initiation and at 1, 2, 6, 12 & 24 months post treatment initiation. EEN response was determined by a patient global assessment. RESULTS: One hundred and nine patients were included (Males 68; Median age: 11.2 years). After 8 weeks EEN, 65 were in remission, 32 improved and 12 had no improvement. By 4 weeks, mean weight/BMI z-score (s.d.) increased (P < 0.02) and between 4 and 8 weeks (P < 0.05). Baseline inflammatory markers all improved significantly by week 4 (albumin, CRP and platelets; all P < 0.01) and ESR (P < 0.00001). 63/109(58%) relapsed during follow-up. 44/63(70%) patients completed a second course of EEN with similar response rate, but lower weight gain (3.3 vs. 5.1 kg, P < 0.05). Height z-score did not change significantly over the 24 months. Introduction of azathioprine within 6 months of diagnosis did not improve height outcomes at 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: Weight and BMI z-score improved with EEN and changes are sustained to 2 years, but height z-score did not. Seventy per cent of patients who relapsed during 2-year follow-up managed a 2nd course of EEN. The optimal therapeutic strategies for length of EEN course and to improve linear growth are awaited.
BACKGROUND: Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is an effective first line treatment for active paediatric Crohn's disease (CD). AIM: To examine the effect of EEN on short- and long-term clinical outcome together with anthropometric measurements. METHODS: Retrospective case-note review in newly diagnosed CD (<16 years) who completed 8 weeks of EEN. Demographics, anthropometry, disease characteristics and inflammatory markers were collected at EEN initiation and at 1, 2, 6, 12 & 24 months post treatment initiation. EEN response was determined by a patient global assessment. RESULTS: One hundred and nine patients were included (Males 68; Median age: 11.2 years). After 8 weeks EEN, 65 were in remission, 32 improved and 12 had no improvement. By 4 weeks, mean weight/BMI z-score (s.d.) increased (P < 0.02) and between 4 and 8 weeks (P < 0.05). Baseline inflammatory markers all improved significantly by week 4 (albumin, CRP and platelets; all P < 0.01) and ESR (P < 0.00001). 63/109(58%) relapsed during follow-up. 44/63(70%) patients completed a second course of EEN with similar response rate, but lower weight gain (3.3 vs. 5.1 kg, P < 0.05). Height z-score did not change significantly over the 24 months. Introduction of azathioprine within 6 months of diagnosis did not improve height outcomes at 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: Weight and BMI z-score improved with EEN and changes are sustained to 2 years, but height z-score did not. Seventy per cent of patients who relapsed during 2-year follow-up managed a 2nd course of EEN. The optimal therapeutic strategies for length of EEN course and to improve linear growth are awaited.
Authors: Johan Van Limbergen; Jennifer Haskett; Anne M Griffiths; Jeff Critch; Hien Huynh; Najma Ahmed; Jennifer C deBruyn; Robert Issenman; Wael El-Matary; Thomas D Walters; Cheryl Kluthe; Marie-Eve Roy; Elizabeth Sheppard; Wallace V Crandall; Stan Cohen; Frank M Ruemmele; Arie Levine; Anthony R Otley Journal: Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol Date: 2015-06-15
Authors: M Tsiountsioura; J E Wong; J Upton; K McIntyre; D Dimakou; E Buchanan; T Cardigan; D Flynn; J Bishop; R K Russell; A Barclay; P McGrogan; C Edwards; K Gerasimidis Journal: Eur J Clin Nutr Date: 2014-01-15 Impact factor: 4.016