Enteral nutrition and corticosteroids in the treatment of acute Crohn's disease in children

Use of oral diet and nutrition support in management of stricturing and fistulizing Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease (CD), a form of inflammatory bowel disease, involves chronic inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract. Intestinal strictures and fistulas are common complications of CD with varying severity in their presentations. Modifications in oral diet or use of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) are common approaches to manage both stricturing and fistulizing disease, although supporting research evidence is generally limited. In the preoperative period, there is strong evidence that EEN can reduce surgical complications. Parenteral nutrition (PN) is often utilized in the management of enterocutaneous fistulas, given that oral diet and EEN may potentially increase output in proximal fistulas. This narrative review highlights the current practices and evidence for the roles of oral diet, EEN, and PN in treatment and management of stricturing and fistulizing CD.

Role of Diet-Microbiome Interaction in Gastrointestinal Disorders and Strategies to Modulate Them with Microbiome-Targeted Therapies

Diet is an important determinant of health and consequently is often implicated in the development of disease, particularly gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, given the high prevalence of meal-related symptoms. The mechanisms underlying diet-driven pathophysiology are not well understood, but recent studies suggest that gut microbiota may mediate the effect of diet on GI physiology. In this review, we focus primarily on two distinct GI diseases where the role of diet has been best studied: irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. We discuss how the concurrent and sequential utilization of dietary nutrients by the host and gut microbiota determines the eventual bioactive metabolite profiles in the gut and the biological effect of these metabolites on GI physiology. We highlight several concepts that can be gleaned from these findings, such as how distinct effects of an individual metabolite can influence diverse GI diseases, the effect of similar dietary interventions on multiple disease states, and the need for extensive phenotyping and data collection to help make personalized diet recommendations.

The Role of TGF-β, Activin and Follistatin in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an immune-mediated inflammatory condition predominantly affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. An increasing prevalence of IBD has been observed globally. The pathogenesis of IBD includes a complex interplay between the intestinal microbiome, diet, genetic factors and immune responses. The consequent imbalance of inflammatory mediators ultimately leads to intestinal mucosal damage and defective repair. Growth factors, given their specific roles in maintaining the homeostasis and integrity of the intestinal epithelium, are of particular interest in the setting of IBD. Furthermore, direct targeting of growth factor signalling pathways involved in the regeneration of the damaged epithelium and the regulation of inflammation could be considered as therapeutic options for individuals with IBD. Several members of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily, particularly TGF-β, activin and follistatin, are key candidates as they exhibit various roles in inflammatory processes and contribute to maintenance and homeostasis in the GI tract. This article aimed firstly to review the events involved in the pathogenesis of IBD with particular emphasis on TGF-β, activin and follistatin and secondly to outline the potential role of therapeutic manipulation of these pathways.

Pharmacologic Management of Monogenic and Very Early Onset Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is treated with a variety of immunomodulating and immunosuppressive therapies; however, for the majority of cases, these therapies are not targeted for specific disease phenotypes. Monogenic IBD with causative genetic defect is the exception and represents a disease cohort where precision therapeutics can be applied. With the advent of rapid genetic sequencing platforms, these monogenic immunodeficiencies that cause inflammatory bowel disease are increasingly being identified. This subpopulation of IBD called very early onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO-IBD) is defined by an age of onset of less than six years of age. Twenty percent of VEO-IBDs have an identifiable monogenic defect. The culprit genes are often involved in pro-inflammatory immune pathways, which represent potential avenues for targeted pharmacologic treatments. This review will provide an overview of the current state of disease-specific targeted therapies, as well as empiric treatment for undifferentiated causes of VEO-IBD.

Mild Crohn's Disease: Definition and Management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Crohn's Disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disease that can lead to progressive damage to the gastrointestinal tract and significant disability. Early, "top-down" biologic therapy is recommended in moderate-to-severe CD to induce remission and to prevent hospitalization and complications. However, an estimated 20-30% of patients with CD have a mild disease course and may not garner sufficient benefit from expensive, immunosuppressing agents to justify their risks. Herein, we review characteristics of patients with mild CD, the available options for disease treatment and monitoring, and future directions of research.

RECENT FINDINGS

For ambulatory outpatients with low-risk, mild, ileal or ileocolonic CD, induction of remission with budesonide is recommended. For colonic CD, sulfasalazine is a reasonable choice, although other aminosalicylates have no role in the treatment of CD. No large, randomized trial has supported the use of antibiotics or antimycobacterials in the treatment of CD. Partial Enteral Nutrition and Crohn's Disease Exclusion Diets may be appropriate for inducing remission in some adult patients, with trials ongoing. Select patients with mild-to-moderate CD may benefit from maintenance therapy with azathioprines or gut specific biologics, such as vedolizumab. The role of complementary and alternative medicine is not well defined. The identification, risk stratification, and monitoring of patients with mild CD can be a challenging clinical scenario. Some patients with low risk of disease progression may be appropriate for initial induction of remission with budesonide or sulfasalazine, followed by close clinical monitoring. Future research should focus on pre-clinical biomarkers to stratify disease, novel therapies with minimal systemic immune suppression, and validation of rigorous clinical monitoring algorithms.

Is Salt at Fault? Dietary Salt Consumption and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Epidemiological trends have led to a growing consensus that diet plays a central role in the etiopathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). A Western diet high in ultra-processed foods has been associated with an increased prevalence of IBD worldwide. Much attention has focused on components of the Western diet, including the high fat content, lack of fiber, added sugars, and use of additives, such as carrageenan and other emulsifiers. Less attention has been paid to the impact of high salt intake, an integral component of ultra-processed foods, which has increased dramatically in the US diet over the past 50 years. We review a growing body of literature linking the rise in dietary salt intake with the epidemiology of IBD, increased consumption of salt as a component of ultra-processed foods, high salt intake and imbalances in immune homeostasis, the effects of a high-salt diet on other inflammatory disorders, salt's impact on animal colitis models, salt as an underrecognized component in diet modification-induced remission of IBD, and directions for future investigation.

Dietary management of adults with IBD - the emerging role of dietary therapy

Historically, dietitians played a minor part in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Patients were commonly referred for consequences of uncontrolled disease, such as malnutrition and bowel obstruction risk. Today, dietitians are fundamental members of the multidisciplinary IBD team, from educating on the role of diet at diagnosis and throughout the lifespan of a patient with IBD to guiding primary induction therapy. This aspect is reflected in published guidelines for IBD management, which previously placed diet as only a minor factor, but now have diet-specific publications. This Review describes a four-step approach in a dietitian's assessment and management of diet in patients with IBD: (1) identifying and correcting nutritional gaps and dietary imbalances; (2) considering diet to treat active disease with the use of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) or emerging diets that could replace EEN; (3) using therapeutic diets to control existing complications of IBD, such as reduced fibre to prevent bowel obstruction in stricturing disease or a fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols diet to manage co-existing functional gut symptoms; and (4) considering the role of diet in preventing IBD development in high-risk populations.

A Preliminary Study of Modulen IBD Liquid Diet in Hospitalized Dogs with Protein-Losing Enteropathy

Modulen IBD is an enteral liquid diet that can induce remission rates similar to glucocorticoids in children with inflammatory bowel disease. The Modulen IBD liquid diet has not been previously investigated in dogs. Our study aimed to describe the use of the Modulen IBD liquid diet in hospitalized dogs with inflammatory protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), including its tolerance and effects on appetite and gastrointestinal signs, and laboratory parameters during hospitalization. Of the 14 dogs hospitalized for PLE that had an esophagostomy feeding tube placed at the time of endoscopy, 5 were eligible and prospectively enrolled. The Modulen IBD liquid diet was supplemented with whey powder isolate and a multivitamin/mineral blend to ensure the diet was complete and balanced for canine adult maintenance and had a macronutrient profile desirable for PLE. All five dogs tolerated tube feedings with the Modulen IBD liquid diet, allowing an increase of 75 to 100% of the resting energy requirement (RER) by day 3 to 4. The diet was administered without glucocorticoid in all five dogs. All five of these dogs had a resolution of anorexia allowing the voluntary intake of a commercial hydrolyzed protein diet prior to the use of glucocorticoids. Of these five dogs, three (60%) had stable or improved serum albumin concentrations (median % increase: 10.3, range: 0−31.1), four (80%) had improved or normalized serum globulin concentrations (median % increase: 12.9, range: 5.1−66.2) and four (80%) had improved or normalized serum cholesterol concentrations (median % increase: 31.5, range: 4.8−63) 2−3 days after initiating the diet. However, there were no significant differences in these selected biochemical parameters pre- and post-feeding with the diet (p > 0.080). In conclusion, the Modulen IBD liquid diet, fed via an esophagostomy feeding tube was well-tolerated in-hospital and resolved anorexia in all dogs and helped to improve selected biochemical parameters in some dogs. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term effects of feeding this diet on the rate of serum albumin increase and remission in dogs with inflammatory PLE.

Diet in the Pathogenesis and Management of Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease (CD) is chronic immune-related disease of the gastrointestinal tract hypothesized to be caused by an interplay of genetic predisposition and environmental exposures. With the global incidence increasing, more patients are exploring dietary exposures to explain and treat CD. However, most patients report minimal nutritional education from their provider, and providers report few nutritional resources to help them educate patients. This highlights the previous deficit of literature describing the role and influence of diet in CD. To address this need, this article reviews available literature on the possible roles of diet in the pathogenesis, exacerbation, and treatment of CD.

Food as Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), namely, Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are lifelong and incurable chronic inflammatory diseases affecting 6.8 million people worldwide. By 2030, the prevalence of IBD is estimated to reach 1% of the population in Western countries, and thus there is an urgent need to develop effective therapies to reduce the burden of this disease. Microbiome dysbiosis is at the heart of the IBD pathophysiology, and current research and development efforts for IBD treatments have been focused on gut microbiome regulation. Diet can shape the intestinal microbiome. Diet is also preferred over medication, is safe, and has been proven to be an effective strategy for the management of IBD. Therefore, although often overlooked, dietary interventions targeting the microbiome represent ideal treatments for IBD. Here, I summarize the latest research on diet as a treatment for IBD from infancy to adulthood, compile evidence of the mechanisms of action behind diet as treatment, and, lastly, provide insights into future research focusing on culturally tailored diets for ethnic minority groups with increased incidence of IBD yet underrepresented in nutrition research.

Adjunctive Dietary Therapy Is Associated With Improved Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Steroid-Refractory Gastrointestinal Graft-Versus-Host Disease: A Case Series

Acute gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease (GI GVHD) is a complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplant with high morbidity and mortality. In particular, steroid-refractory GI GVHD can be difficult to treat. Recent investigations have revealed that patients after transplant can experience intestinal dysbiosis contributing to the progression of GVHD. Modulation of the gut microbiome through dietary intake could potentially improve the intestinal dysbiosis in GI GVHD. In this case series, we present 3 patients where dietary therapy was used in conjunction with immunosuppression to achieve clinical remission of GI GVHD.

Linking Genetic Diagnosis to Therapeutic Approach in Very Early Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Pharmacologic Considerations

Very early onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO-IBD) is diagnosed in children < 6 years of age, and in rare cases may be due to an identifiable monogenic cause. Recent advances in genetic testing have allowed for more accurate diagnosis, with as many as 100 genes now known to be associated with monogenic inflammatory bowel disease. These genes are involved in many immune pathways and thus may represent potential avenues for targeted precision medicine with pharmacologic treatments aimed at these. This review describes the broad classifications of monogenic disorders known to cause VEO-IBD, as well as empiric and disease-specific medical therapies. These include immune-modulating or immunosuppressant medications, nutritional therapy, surgery, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We aim to provide an overview of the current state of targeted therapy for VEO-IBD.

Twelve-week peptide-based formula therapy may be effective in inducing remission of active Crohn disease among women who are pregnant or preparing for pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Conventional treatment for Crohn disease (CD) in pregnancy includes mesalamine, thiopurine, and anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α agents. However, women may abstain because of complications, nonresponse, or potential adverse outcomes. Peptide-based formula therapy, through oral or nasogastric feeding without other food intake, is an effective and safe therapy for active CD. Herein, We confirmed the effectiveness and safety of peptide-based formula therapy for active CD in pregnant women or those preparing for pregnancy.

METHOD

Outcomes of peptide-based formula therapy to induce CD remission during pregnancy preparation and the conception period were evaluated retrospectively among 14 women. Efficacy was evaluated as the change in serum indices and inflammatory markers after 12-week treatment. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between 14 women treated with nutrition therapy and eight women using conventional CD drugs.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks, 85.7% (12 of 14) of patients treated with peptide-based formula achieved remission with a significant decrease in the CD activity index (P < .001) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level (P = .004). There were no effects of peptide-based formula therapy on pregnancy outcomes compared with conventional CD treatment (P > .05). Among the 12 patients who achieved CD remission with exclusive peptide-based formula therapy, 10 selected to continue total or partial peptide-based formula treatment to maintain CD remission throughout pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Peptide-based formula therapy, without other food intake, may provide a safe and effective alternative to conventional CD drugs to induce disease remission among women during conception and pregnancy.

Oral exclusive enteral nutrition for induction of clinical remission, mucosal healing, and improvement of nutritional status and growth velocity in children with active Crohn's disease - a prospective multicentre trial

Introduction

Undernutrition and growth failure are common problems in paediatric patients with active Crohn's disease (CD).

Aim

The aim of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) commencement is not only to induce clinical remission and promote mucosal healing but also to initiate weight and growth gain, especially in patients with poor nutritional status. We assessed the effectiveness of treatment with EEN and its impact on nutritional status in children with active CD.

Material and methods

Twenty children (male/female: 14/6) in median age of 14 years with active CD had EEN with polymeric industrial diet (Modulen IBD) applied for 6 weeks. The daily caloric intake was established according to the age and nutritional status. In patients with undernutrition, it was increased to 120-150% relative to recommendations for the healthy peers. The Paediatric CD activity index (PCDAI) - a marker of clinical remission, faecal calprotectin (FCP) - a marker of mucosal healing (MH), and nutritional status were assessed at baseline and 4 weeks following the end of the therapy (week 10).

Results

In the studied group the mean decrease in PCDAI score was statistically significant (from 25.6 ±12 to 5.4 ±10, p < 0.05). Full remission (defined as PCDAI < 10) was achieved in 65% of patients, and clinical response in another 30% of them. Only 5% of children did not respond to the treatment. Mean decline in FCP level was statistically significant as well (from 3380 ±7746 to 1046.6 ±1219, p < 0.05). All patients, apart from one who was fed with a nasogastric tube, accepted oral intake of industrial formula. EEN was generally well tolerated. Initially, in 20% of patients the symptoms of intolerance to the industrial diet were observed, but they receded within the first days of the therapy. The recommended daily intake of the formula was achieved in 95% of children. Only one child was unable to intake the prescribed amount of the diet due to intolerance. At baseline, undernutrition was observed in 30% of patients, which was established by a body mass index (BMI) score below the third percentile according to the recommended charts for the Polish paediatric population. In all patients, improvement in BMI status was reported at the end of the treatment. The mean increase in BMI score was 0.91, and it was greater in the malnourished group compared to patients with normal nutritional status (1.19 vs. 0.62). After the treatment two-thirds of children with malnutrition achieved a BMI score within the normal range. In 25% of patients, growth deficit was observed (defined as growth below the third percentile according to the Polish charts) before the EEN introduction. An increase in body height was obtained generally in 55% of children and in 80% of those with initial growth failure. The mean increase in growth was 1 cm, and it was greater in the group with initial growth deficit relative to patients with baseline normal height (1.5 cm vs. 0.8 cm, respectively).

Conclusions

A 6-week course of oral EEN was an effective and well-tolerated method of treatment in children with active CD. Nutritional therapy not only induced full clinical remission and led to decline in FCP level (as a marker of MH) in the majority of patients, but also contributed to the improvement in their nutritional status and growth velocity. These are very important observations because proper development is crucial for paediatric CD patients.

Metabolomics facilitate the personalized management in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic relapsing inflammation and mucosal lesions. Reliable biomarkers for monitoring disease activity, predicting therapeutic response, and disease relapse are needed in the personalized management of IBD. Given the alterations in metabolomic profiles observed in patients with IBD, metabolomics, a new and developing technique for the qualitative and quantitative study of small metabolite molecules, offers another possibility for identifying candidate markers and promising predictive models. With increasing research on metabolomics, it is gradually considered that metabolomics will play a significant role in the management of IBD. In this review, we summarize the role of metabolomics in the assessment of disease activity, including endoscopic activity and histological activity, prediction of therapeutic response, prediction of relapse, and other aspects concerning disease management in IBD. Furthermore, we describe the limitations of metabolomics and highlight some solutions.

Is frequency of dietitian support associated with greater clinical improvements in adults with Crohn's disease undertaking Exclusive Enteral Nutrition (EEN)?

INTRODUCTION

Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is considered an effective, low-risk therapy in the treatment of Crohn's Disease (CD). Frequent dietetic support may assistadults to succeed. This observational study aimed to compare whether frequency of dietetic support during EEN therapy was associated with differences in clinical and nutritional outcomes across two gastroenterologyinflammatory bowel disease services. Site Aprovided ≥3 visits plus more if clinically indicated and Site B provided weekly support.

METHODS

Eligible patients were adults with active CD recommended to be treated with oral EEN for ≥6weeks between February 2018 to December 2019.Demographic, anthropometric, clinical, medications, pathology and EEN treatment descriptors were sourced from the medical chart. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared and t-tests were used to compare data between sites.

RESULTS

Eighty-four CD patients were eligible (44±14yrs, 54% female, baseline Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) 259.5±113.1, n=51Site A) and completed EEN for median(range) 6.1(1-12) weeks. Most patients (82%, n=69/84) completed ≥6 weeks of EEN treatment. CDAI score and calprotectin improved across the total sample from pre- to post-EEN by -109.8±92.1 (p<0.001) and -65µg/g(-65230-4370) (p=0.002), respectively. Dietitian occasions of service were more frequent at Site B (7(4-12) occasions vs. 3(1-8), p<0.001). However, changes in clinicaland biomarker datawere similar between sites (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

EEN with regular dietetic input resulted in clinical and biochemical improvements for patients with active CD. Tailoring dietetic support based on the client'sneeds and preference may achieve similar clinical improvements as providing weekly dietetic support to adults on EEN. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Effectiveness of Crohn's Disease Exclusion Diet for Induction of Remission in Crohn's Disease Adult Patients

Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is a first-line treatment in active, mild to moderate Crohn’s disease (CD) in children. The Crohn’s disease exclusion diet (CDED), which avoids products known to have a pro-inflammatory effect on the intestinal mucosa, presents similar effectiveness to EEN for inducing remission in the paediatric population. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the CDED in inducing remission in adult patients. Between March 2020 and May 2021, 32 patients in a gastroenterology outpatient centre were treated according to the assumptions of the CDED. The patients were seen at baseline, at week 6, and at week 12 of the study. During the visits, anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests were performed, Crohn’s disease activity index (CDAI) was calculated, and the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) was completed. The study included a total of 32 participants, 18 women (56.3%) and 14 men (43.7%). Clinical remission was obtained in 76.7% patients after 6 weeks and in 82.1% after 12 weeks of therapy. Calprotectin levels were significantly lower in the second follow-up compared with baseline (p = 0.021). The CDED is an effective therapy for inducing remission in the adult CD population.

Review of exclusive enteral therapy in adult Crohn's disease

Background

Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is a potentially effective but underused therapy for Crohn’s disease (CD) in adults. It is first-line induction treatment for paediatric patients but remains a second-line or third-line therapy in adults.

Objective

To analyse the evidence for EEN in adult patients with CD, and summarise this in a narrative review.

Methods

In April/May 2020 and July 2021, a literature search was performed using the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms: ‘Crohn’s disease’, ‘CD’, ‘inflammatory bowel disease’, ‘IBD’, ‘exclusive enteral nutrition’, ‘enteral nutrition’, ‘EEN’, in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane. Additional studies were obtained from references of search result articles as well as general reading. Studies with adult patients with CD treated with EEN were selected. 79 articles of relevance were found. Where data in adults were lacking, data from paediatric studies as extrapolated with care.

Results

EEN in adult patients been shown to improve clinical, biomarker, endoscopic and radiologic measures of disease activity. EEN avoids the potential adverse effects of recurrent corticosteroids for induction such as metabolic derangements and opportunistic infections. EEN has also demonstrated benefits among adult patients with fistulising and stricturing CD. It may avoid surgery in such patients. Preoperative EEN has also been shown to reduce postoperative complications and recurrence. There appears to be benefits in combing EEN with antitumour necrosis factor agents, however, benefits of combination therapy with other biologics are less clear. A major drawback of EEN therapy in adults has been poor compliance. More palatable polymeric formulations improved patient education and dietitian support may overcome this. Evidence in adults is limited to small studies, often with suboptimal control arms and lack of blinding. Larger scale studies with improved study design are needed to confirm these beneficial effects.

Conclusion

Despite limitations in evidence EEN should be considered in treating adults with CD.

Approach to the Management of Recently Diagnosed Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients: A User's Guide for Adult and Pediatric Gastroenterologists

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic, progressive, immune-mediated diseases of adults and children that have no cure. IBD can cause significant morbidity and lead to complications such as strictures, fistulas, infections, and cancer. In children, IBD can also result in growth impairment and pubertal delays. IBD is highly heterogenous, with severity ranging from mild to severe and symptoms ranging from mild to debilitating. Delay in IBD diagnosis, especially in Crohn's disease, is common and associated with adverse outcomes. Early diagnosis and prompt institution of treatment are the cornerstones for improving outcomes and maximizing health. Early diagnosis requires a low threshold of suspicion and red flags to guide early specialist referral at the primary provider level. Although the armamentarium of IBD medications is growing, many patients will not respond to treatment, and the selection of first-line therapy is critical. Risk stratification of disease severity, based on clinical, demographic, and serologic markers, can help guide selection of first-line therapy. Clinical decision support tools, genomics, and other biomarkers of response to therapy and risk of adverse events are the future of personalized medicine. After starting appropriate therapy, it is important to confirm remission using objective end points (treat to target) with continued control of inflammation with adjustment of therapy using surrogate biomarkers (tight control). Lastly, IBD therapy extends far beyond medications, and other aspects of the overall health and wellbeing of the patient are critical. These include preventive health, nutrition, and psychobehavioral support addressing patients' concerns around complementary therapy and medication adherence, prevention of disability, and ensuring open communication.

Diet and nutrition in the management of inflammatory bowel disease

The role of diet and its manipulation in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is gradually acquiring central stage. Certain dietary factors have been identified as putative triggers in IBD as some other factors are found to be protective. The dietary manipulation as part of comprehensive IBD care should be done by the clinician in conjunction with a skilled dietitian. Nutritional deficiencies are common in patients with IBD and can have long-term effects on disease course and quality of life in these patients. So, early identification and correction of these deficiencies along with proper nutritional supplementation should be addressed routinely as a part of IBD management. Oral nutritional supplementation is sufficient for most patients, but in some sick patients, tube feeding may be necessary. Diet needs to be individualized based on the nutritional deficiencies and dietary triggers in a specific patient. Multiple specific diets, with elimination of components that trigger inflammation or addition of components that alter gut microbes in a favorable way, are now appearing as a treatment option in IBD, but more evidence is required before their universal recommendation. Though enteral nutrition (EN) (both exclusive enteral nutrition [EEN] and partial enteral nutrition [PEN]) have proven therapeutic role in pediatric IBD, their uses and role are now expanding in adult IBD patients as well.

Modulating the Gut Microbiota of Humans by Dietary Intervention with Plant Glycans

The human colon contains a community of microbial species, mostly bacteria, which is often referred to as the gut microbiota. The community is considered essential to human well-being by conferring additional energy-harvesting capacity, niche exclusion of pathogens, and molecular signaling activities that are integrated into human physiological processes. Plant polysaccharides (glycans, dietary fiber) are an important source of carbon and energy that supports the maintenance and functioning of the gut microbiota. Therefore, the daily quantity and quality of plant glycans consumed by the human host have the potential to influence health. Members of the gut microbiota differ in ability to utilize different types of plant glycans. Dietary interventions with specific glycans could modulate the microbiota, counteracting ecological perturbations that disrupt the intricate relationships between microbiota and host (dysbiosis). This review considers prospects and research options for modulation of the gut microbiota by the formulation of diets that, when consumed habitually, would correct dysbiosis by building diverse consortia that boost functional resilience. Traditional "prebiotics" favor bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, whereas dietary mixtures of plant glycans that are varied in chemical complexity would promote high-diversity microbiotas. It is concluded that research should aim at improving knowledge of bacterial consortia that, through shared nourishment, degrade and ferment plant glycans. The consortia may vary in composition from person to person, but functional outputs will be consistent in a given context because of metabolic redundancy among bacteria. Thus, the individuality of gut microbiotas could be encompassed, functional resilience encouraged, and correction of dysbiosis achieved.

Recognition of food antigens by the mucosal and systemic immune system: Consequences for intestinal development and homeostasis

The impact of nutrition on systemic and intestinal immune responses remains controversially discussed and yet not fully understood. The majority of studies investigating the effects of dietary antigens focused to understand how local and systemic unresponsiveness is induced by innocuous food antigens. Moreover, it has been shown that both, microbial and dietary antigens are essential for the normal development of the mucosal immune system. Based on experimental findings from animals and IBD patients, we propose a model how the intestinal immune system performs the balancing act between recognition and tolerance of dietary antigens at the same time: In the healthy gut, repetitive uptake of dietary antigens by Peyer's patches leads to increasing activation of CD4⁺ T cells till hyper-activated lymphocytes undergo apoptosis. In contrast to healthy controls, this mechanism was disturbed in Crohn's disease patients. This observation might help to better understand beneficial effects of dietary intervention therapy.

Nutritional Therapy Strategies in Pediatric Crohn's Disease

The increase in incidences of pediatric Crohn's Disease (CD) worldwide has been strongly linked with dietary shifts towards a Westernized diet, ultimately leading to altered gut microbiota and disturbance in intestinal immunity and the metabolome. Multiple clinical studies in children with CD have demonstrated the high efficacy of nutritional therapy with exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) to induce remission with an excellent safety profile. However, EEN is poorly tolerated, limiting its compliance and clinical application. This has spiked an interest in the development of alternative and better-tolerated nutritional therapy strategies. Several nutritional therapies have now been designed not only to treat the nutritional deficiencies seen in children with active CD but also to correct dysbiosis and reduce intestinal inflammation. In this review, we report the most recent insights regarding nutritional strategies in children with active CD: EEN, partial enteral nutrition (PEN), Crohn's disease exclusive diet (CDED), and CD treatment-with-eating diet (CD-TREAT). We describe their setup, efficacy, safety, and (dis)advantages as well as some of their potential mechanisms of action and perspectives. A better understanding of different nutritional therapeutic options and their mechanisms will yield better and safer management strategies for children with CD and may address the barriers and limitations of current strategies in children.

Medication Belief is Associated with Improved Adherence to Exclusive Enteral Nutrition in Patients with Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of Crohn's disease (CD) has been increasing rapidly in China, and the role of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) in the management of adult patients with active CD is evolving. Adherence is a key factor in the effective treatment of many chronic diseases.

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess adherence to EEN of CD patients and to evaluate the relationship between medication belief and EEN adherence.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted, and demographic information, adherence to EEN, and beliefs about EEN were investigated. Medication belief was measured using the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ)-Specific.

RESULTS

In all, 131 CD patients completed the questionnaire and were enrolled in this study. The high adherence rate was 73.3% (96 of 131 patients), and we found that medication belief, residency, medical insurance, and history of enteral nutrition therapy were factors affecting EEN adherence. More patients with a high BMQ score had high adherence to EEN (n = 54, 56.2%) compared to those with a low BMQ (n = 42, 43.8%). Moreover, price, taste, storage method, portability, and purchase convenience of EEN were not associated with adherence.

CONCLUSION

The adherence to EEN among patients with CD is relatively high and is related to medication belief, residency and history of enteral nutrition. The type of enteral nutrition, taste, storage, and convenience of purchase were not associated with EEN adherence. Future study is warranted to explore the possible role of improving patients' beliefs in increasing adherence.

Exclusive enteral nutrition effect on the clinical course of pediatric Crohn's disease: a single center experience

The aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) versus corticosteroids (CS) as induction therapy, in a cohort of pediatric patients with Crohn's disease (CD). A retrospective study of patients with CD has been conducted. Clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, and pediatric Crohn's disease activity index (PCDAI) were evaluated at diagnosis and at different follow-up points. Subjects were divided in EEN-induction group, receiving EEN, and CS-induction group, treated with oral CS. We evaluated 47 patients in the EEN-induction group and 21 patients in the CS-induction group. After 8 weeks from diagnosis, we detected a significant improvement in CRP (p = 0.001) and albumin (p = 0.05), in EEN-induction group compared with the CS-induction group. PCDAI was significantly lower in the EEN-induction group versus the CS-induction group after 8 weeks (p = 0.04) and 1 year (p = 0.03) of follow-up. After 2 years from diagnosis, the number of subjects needing immunomodulators (IMM, azathioprine or methotrexate) was significantly higher in the CS-induction group compared with the EEN-induction group (p = 0.02).Conclusion: EEN has the same effectiveness of CS therapy in induction of remission but seems to have a more pronounced effect on disease activity. In our cohort, the need to use IMM seems to be reduced in subjects initially treated with EEN. What is Known: • Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) has the same effectiveness of corticosteroids (CS) in the induction of remission in pediatric Crohn's disease. • EEN offers numerous advantages over CS, in terms of improved nutrition and mucosal healing. What is New: • Induction of remission with EEN seems to have a more pronounced effect on disease activity compared to induction with CS. • In our cohort, induction of remission with EEN seems to reduce the need of therapy with immunomodulators at 2 years of follow-up.

Exclusive enteral nutrition mediates gut microbial and metabolic changes that are associated with remission in children with Crohn's disease

A nutritional intervention, exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) can induce remission in patients with pediatric Crohn's disease (CD). We characterized changes in the fecal microbiota and metabolome to identify the mechanism of EEN. Feces of 43 children were collected prior, during and after EEN. Microbiota and metabolites were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and NMR. Selected metabolites were evaluated in relevant model systems. Microbiota and metabolome of patients with CD and controls were different at all time points. Amino acids, primary bile salts, trimethylamine and cadaverine were elevated in patients with CD. Microbiota and metabolome differed between responders and non-responders prior to EEN. EEN decreased microbiota diversity and reduced amino acids, trimethylamine and cadaverine towards control levels. Patients with CD had reduced microbial metabolism of bile acids that partially normalized during EEN. Trimethylamine and cadaverine inhibited intestinal cell growth. TMA and cadaverine inhibited LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha and IL-6 secretion by primary human monocytes. A diet rich in free amino acids worsened inflammation in the DSS model of intestinal inflammation. Trimethylamine, cadaverine, bile salts and amino acids could play a role in the mechanism by which EEN induces remission. Prior to EEN, microbiota and metabolome are different between responders and non-responders.

[Crohn's Disease Exclusion Diet - an alternative to exlusive enteral nutritional therapy in children and adolescents with Crohn's disease? Statement of the GPGE working groups CEDATA and Nutrition/Nutrition Medicine]

Epidemiological an clinical observations as well as results from animal studies indicate that nutrition can play a role in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Exclusive enteral nutrition therapy represents an example for modulating inflammatory responses solely through diet modification. Therefore, caretakers, patients, families, doctors and nutritionists seek for more dietary options to control IBD. These options include partial enteral nutrition therapy as for example the socalled Crohn's disease exclusion diet. The following statement summarizes existing data and provides recommendations for the current management of enteral nutrition therapy in pediatric Crohn's disease.

Healthy Siblings of Children With Crohn's Disease Exhibit More Rapid Changes in Microbiota Composition as a Response to Exclusive Enteral Nutrition

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) on the microbiota composition of the newly diagnosed Crohn's disease (CD) patients and to determine the effect of EEN received for 2 days in siblings of patients with CD.

METHODS

Newly diagnosed pediatric CD patients (n = 17) and unaffected healthy siblings (n = 10) participated in the study. In CD patients, stool samples were collected at 3 time points: prior to therapy introduction, the second day of EEN therapy, and the last day of EEN therapy. In healthy siblings, stool samples were collected before the introduction of EEN and the second day of EEN. Molecular approach targeting 16S ribosomal RNA was used for analyzing the gut microbiota of participants' stool samples.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in microbial diversity between children with CD and healthy siblings before EEN (P = .127 for HhaI digestion; P = .604 for MspI digestion) as opposed to the second day of EEN (P = .006 HhaI digestion; P = .023 MspI digestion). In healthy controls, significant changes in microbiota composition were apparent by the second day of EEN, contrary to children with CD, in whom similar changes in microbiota composition were apparent on the last day of EEN.

CONCLUSION

EEN leads to significant microbiota changes in both healthy children and children with CD. Changes in microbiota composition occur more rapidly in healthy children, whereas in children with CD, significant changes were detected at the end of EEN.

Adherence to exclusive enteral nutrition by adults with active Crohn's disease is associated with conscientiousness personality trait: a sub-study

BACKGROUND

It is probable that psychosocial factors predict adherence to exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN). Conscientiousness is an intrapersonal factor associated with greater medication adherence and healthy eating behaviours. This sub-study aimed to determine whether adherence to EEN was associated with conscientiousness.

METHODS

Two groups of adults aged 16-40 years, were recruited to use EEN. Adults with active Crohn's disease used either EEN for 8 weeks or 2 weeks of EEN followed by 6 weeks of partial enteral nutrition (PEN). A control group of healthy adults used EEN for 2 weeks. Participants who reported eating food during EEN, ate more than one meal per day during PEN, or could not initiate or tolerate the oral nutritional supplements were defined as non-adherent. Conscientiousness was measured using the conscientiousness subset of the Big Five Inventory.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients with active Crohn's disease (mean age 24.8 years) and 21 healthy adults (mean age 27.3 years) completed the conscientiousness questionnaire. In the Crohn's disease group, 23 (59%) completed and adhered to the treatments compared to 17 (81%) healthy adults; their conscientiousness scores were similar. Adherence and completion by the Crohn's disease group were associated with a greater mean conscientiousness score 35.57 (95% confidence interval = 32.88-38.25) compared to 30.13 (95% confidence interval = 26.53-33.73) in the non-adherent Crohn's disease group (P = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

Conscientiousness was associated with treatment adherence. EEN can be a cognitively and emotionally demanding treatment for active adults with Crohn's disease; thus, considering personality traits may help determine suitable candidates.

Protocol for a multinational risk-stratified randomised controlled trial in paediatric Crohn's disease: methotrexate versus azathioprine or adalimumab for maintaining remission in patients at low or high risk for aggressive disease course

INTRODUCTION

Immunomodulators such as thiopurines (azathioprine (AZA)/6-mercaptopurine (6MP)), methotrexate (MTX) and biologics such as adalimumab (ADA) are well established for maintenance of remission within paediatric Crohn's disease (CD). It remains unclear, however, which maintenance medication should be used first line in specific patient groups.

AIMS

To compare the efficacy of maintenance therapies in newly diagnosed CD based on stratification into high and low-risk groups for severe CD evolution; MTX versus AZA/6MP in low-risk and MTX versus ADA in high-risk patients. Primary end point: sustained remission at 12 months (weighted paediatric CD activity index ≤12.5 and C reactive protein ≤1.5 fold upper limit) without relapse or ongoing requirement for exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN)/steroids 12 weeks after treatment initiation.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

REDUCE-RISK in CD is an international multicentre open-label prospective randomised controlled trial funded by EU within the Horizon2020 framework (grant number 668023). Eligible patients (aged 6-17 years, new-onset disease receiving steroids or EEN for induction of remission for luminal ± perianal CD are stratified into low and high-risk groups based on phenotype and response to induction therapy. Participants are randomised to one of two treatment arms within their risk group: low-risk patients to weekly subcutaneous MTX or daily oral AZA/6MP, and high-risk patients to weekly subcutaneous MTX or fortnightly ADA. Patients are followed up for 12 months at prespecified intervals. Electronic case report forms are completed prospectively. The study aims to recruit 312 participants (176 low risk; 136 high risk).

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: (NCT02852694), authorisation and approval from local ethics committees have been obtained prior to recruitment. Individual informed consent will be obtained prior to participation in the study. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal with open access.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02852694; Pre-results.

Partial enteral nutrition induces clinical and endoscopic remission in active pediatric Crohn's disease: results of a prospective cohort study

The aim of this study was to evaluate rates of clinical remission, endoscopic remission, and mucosal healing after a 6-week treatment period with partial enteral nutrition (PEN) and to compare them to those obtained by standard exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) treatment in children with active Crohn's disease (CD). Twenty-five patients with active CD (median age 13.6 years, range 3.6-18.0) were recruited to either PEN (n = 12) or EEN (n = 13) treatment groups. The PEN group received 75% of their dietary needs from a polymeric formula plus one meal per day from an anti-inflammatory diet (AID). Patients were assessed at weeks 0, 1, 3, and 6 using clinical and laboratory parameters. Endoscopic assessment was performed at induction and week 6. On intention to treat analysis, clinical remission (Pediatric CD Activity Index < 10) was achieved in 69.2% and 75.0% of EEN and PEN patients, respectively (p = 0.999). The endoscopic remission (Simple Endoscopic Score for CD (SES-CD) ≤ 2) rates were 45.5% in both groups, while mucosal healing rates (SES-CD = 0) were 45.5% with EEN and 27.3% with PEN (p = 0.659).Conclusion: The results of our prospective pilot study suggest that PEN, allowing one meal from AID, could be as effective as EEN in inducing clinical and endoscopic remission in children with active CD. However, larger randomized controlled studies are warranted to confirm our findings.Trial registration: This clinical trial was registered under the number ClinicalTrials.govidentifier: NCT03176875.What is Known:• Exclusive enteral nutrition is a first-line treatment in active pediatric Crohn's disease; however, patients often find it difficult to adhere to.• Exclusive enteral nutrition is more effective than corticosteroids in achieving mucosal healing.What is New:• This is the first prospective study on partial enteral nutrition in active pediatric Crohn's disease, evaluating not only clinical, but also endoscopic remission.• A novel approach of partial enteral nutrition that allows one meal per day from an anti-inflammatory diet was as effective as exclusive enteral nutrition in inducing clinical and endoscopic remission in active Crohn's disease.

Nutritional Aspects in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic, relapsing, inflammatory disorders of the digestive tract that characteristically develop in adolescence and early adulthood. The reported prevalence of malnutrition in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients ranges between 20% and 85%. Several factors, including reduced oral food intake, malabsorption, chronic blood and proteins loss, and intestinal bacterial overgrowth, contribute to malnutrition in IBD patients. Poor nutritional status, as well as selective malnutrition or sarcopenia, is associated with poor clinical outcomes, response to therapy and, therefore, quality of life. The nutritional assessment should include a dietetic evaluation with the assessment of daily caloric intake and energy expenditure, radiological assessment, and measurement of functional capacity.

Dining With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review of the Literature on Diet in the Pathogenesis and Management of IBD

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic immune-related diseases hypothesized to be a sequela of an interplay of genetic predisposition and environmental exposures. The global incidence of IBD is increasing, and more patients are exploring diet as a means to explain and treat their IBD. In fact, many patients strongly believe diet plays a fundamental role in the onset and management of their IBD. However, a significant proportion of patients report limited nutritional education from their provider, and providers report limited nutritional resources to aid in discussions with patients. This imbalance between supply and demand likely reflects the previous paucity of available literature characterizing the influence of diet in IBD. To address this gap in knowledge, we review the available literature to characterize the role of diet in the pathogenesis, exacerbation, and treatment of IBD. We aim to provide patients and providers with resources to better understand and discuss the role of diet in IBD, with the overall goal of improving patient care and satisfaction.

Inducing remission in paediatric Crohn's disease using nutritional therapies - A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is known to be a safe and effective treatment option for managing active Crohn's disease (CD) in children, although no uniform protocol exists. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate and compare the clinical effectiveness of aspects of EEN protocols to ascertain whether an optimum regimen can be identified.

METHODS

A systematic search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and AMED was conducted for studies published between 1998 and 2018 that examined paediatric patients being treated with an enteral nutrition protocol to induce remission. Studies that included patients receiving concurrent medication for active disease were excluded. Quality assessment was performed using separate tools for randomised controlled trials, cohort studies and for studies without a control group.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Of these, six found insufficient evidence to support use of a specific formula. One study examined the route of EEN, finding no difference between oral or nasogastric tube administration with respect to inducing remission. Three examined the use of partial enteral nutrition to induce remission, although conflicting results were seen. No studies explored the effect of length of treatment or energy prescription on remission rates CONCLUSIONS: An optimum enteral nutrition protocol for inducing remission cannot be identified. Further focused research is required by well designed, adequately powered prospective clinical trials to examine aspects of enteral feeding protocols that remain uncertain, including the use of partial enteral nutrition as a potential alternative to EEN.

Nutritional interventions for the treatment of IBD: current evidence and controversies

Environmental factors, particularly diet, are the focus of current research as potential triggers of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Epidemiological cohort data showing a rapid increase of IBD in western countries and the emergence of IBD in developing countries paralleling the introduction of a western diet are indirect arguments linking food and food behaviour to intestinal inflammation. The successful use of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN), now considered as first-line induction therapy for paediatric Crohn's disease (CD), is the strongest argument for a link between diet and IBD. Mechanistic studies revealed that EEN impacts intestinal microbiota composition and together with the exclusion of potentially harmful food ingredients this allows the control of intestinal inflammation and induces mucosal healing. However, the exclusivity character of EEN is a major drawback. Based on the data of EEN, the search for more tolerable and still effective diets has begun. Recent reports on the new CD exclusion diet (CDED), CD-TREAT, as well as the specific carbohydrate diet (SCD) provide the first promising results, further underlining the potential of diet to control inflammation in patients with CD by excluding certain food components. Ongoing research is trying to combine nutritional interventions with analyses of intestinal microbiota and their metabolic functions with the aim of correcting the intestinal dysbiosis that characterizes IBD. This research is promising and gives new hope to patients that have been looking for decades for nutritional interventions with the aim of stabilizing their disease course. There might even be potential for disease prevention in high-risk patients by excluding potentially harmful food components.

Benefits of Exclusive Enteral Nutrition in Adults With Complex Active Crohn’s Disease: A Case Series of 13 Consecutive Patients

Background and Aims

Immunosuppressive therapy is routine for adults with complex active Crohn’s disease (CD), however carries risks, particularly in the setting of sepsis. Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is widely used in paediatric CD, yet efficacy data in adults are sparse. This study evaluated outcomes of EEN in adults with complex active CD.

Methods

Between December 2016 and June 2018, 13 patients with complex active CD (range 20–74 years) managed at a single hospital received 2 or more weeks of EEN. Patients were offered EEN based on either malnutrition, contraindication to immunosuppression, or CD refractory to multiple therapies. Subjective and objective outcomes were recorded at 2 and 6 weeks and compared with baseline data.

Results

Nine of 13 patients experienced subjective improvement in wellbeing. Objective improvements included nine CRP decrements (median = 87.7 mg/L, IQR = 70.6 mg/L), nine serum albumin increments (median = 7 g/L, IQR = 4 g/L), and six gained weight (median = 3.6 kg, IQR = 3.0 kg). All five patients with complex abscess resolved without surgery. One ileocolic fistula and one enterocutaneous fistula achieved resolution without surgery. One of two perianal fistulae cases resolved without surgery. Seven of 10 patients initially thought to need surgery avoided it due to disease resolution. Only one of the three patients who proceeded to surgery sustained a post-operative complication. There were no EEN-associated complications.

Conclusions

In complex active CD, our real-world data show that EEN improves wellbeing, decreases inflammatory markers, leads to healthy weight gain, reduces need for surgical intervention, and reduces postoperative complications.

The Effect of Enteral Nutrition Support Rich in TGF-β in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Childhood

Background and Objective: Malnutrition is a major complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our aim of the study was to examine the effects of Modulen IBD supplementation, which was administered to IBD patients without limiting their daily diet in addition to medical treatment, on the clinical, laboratory, anthropometric values, and disease activities of these patients. Materials and Methods: Seventy three children with IBD were evaluated retrospectively. The cases were classified as those who had Crohn disease receiving (CD-M; n = 16) or not receiving Modulen IBD (CD; n = 19) and those who had ulcerative colitis receiving (UC-M; n = 13) or not receiving Modulen IBD (UC; n = 25). Disease activities, laboratory values, remission rates, and anthropometric measurements of the groups were compared. In addition to IBD treatment, Modulen IBD in which half of the daily calorie requirement was provided was given for eight weeks. Results: In the third month of treatment, 14 (88%) patients were in remission in CD-M group and eight (42%) patients were in remission in CD group. The height and weight z scores, which were low at the time of diagnosis, improved in the first week in CD-M group. Inflammatory parameters (UC) were significantly lower in the UC-M group compared to the UC group in first and third months. In the third month, eight (62%) patients in the UC-M group and four (16%) in the UC group were remitted clinically and in terms of laboratory values. Conclusions: TGF-β-rich enteral nutrition support in children with IBD is an easy, effective, and reliable approach. It was shown that TGF-β-rich enteral nutritional supplementation enabled the disease to enter the remission earlier, and contributed to the early recovery of weight and height scores.

The reduction of faecal calprotectin during exclusive enteral nutrition is lost rapidly after food re-introduction

BACKGROUND

Faecal calprotectin decreases during exclusive enteral nutrition in children with active Crohn's disease. It is unknown how faecal calprotectin changes during food re-introduction and the influence of maintenance enteral nutrition.

AIMS

To study changes to faecal calprotectin during exclusive enteral nutrition and at food reintroduction, and explore associations with maintenance enteral nutrition.

METHODS

Children with Crohn's disease were followed during exclusive enteral nutrition and during food-reintroduction. Faecal calprotectin was measured before, at 33 and 54 days of exclusive enteral nutrition, and at 17, 52 and 72 days after food-reintroduction. Maintenance enteral nutrition use was recorded with estimated weight food diaries. Data are presented with medians and Q1:Q3.

RESULTS

Sixty-six patients started exclusive enteral nutrition and 41 (62%) achieved clinical remission (weighted paediatric Crohn's disease activity index <12.5). Baseline faecal calprotectin (mg/kg) decreased after 4 and 8 weeks of exclusive enteral nutrition (Start: 1433 [Q1: 946, Q3: 1820] vs 33 days: 844 [314, 1438] vs 54 days: 453 [165, 1100]; P < .001). Within 17 days of food reintroduction, faecal calprotectin increased to 953 [Q1: 519, Q3: 1611] and by 52 days to 1094 [660, 1625] (both P < .02). Fifteen of 41 (37%) children in remission used maintenance enteral nutrition (333 kcal or 18% of energy intake). At 17 days of food reintroduction, faecal calprotectin was lower in maintenance enteral nutrition users than non-users (651 [Q1: 271, Q3: 1781] vs 1238 [749, 2102], P = .049) and correlated inversely with maintenance enteral nutrition volume (rho: -0.573, P = .041), kcals (rho: -0.584, P = .036) and % energy intake (rho: -0.649, P = .016). Maintenance enteral nutrition use was not associated with longer periods of remission (P = .7). Faecal calprotectin at the end of exclusive enteral nutrition did not predict length of remission.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of exclusive enteral nutrition on faecal calprotectin is diminished early during food reintroduction. Maintenance enteral nutrition at ~18% of energy intake is associated with a lower faecal calprotectin at the early phase of food reintroduction but is ineffective in maintaining longer term remission.

Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Clinical Practice Guideline for the Medical Management of Pediatric Luminal Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We aim to provide guidance for medical treatment of luminal Crohn's disease in children.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search of publication databases to identify studies of medical management of pediatric Crohn's disease. Quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were rated according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach. We developed statements through an iterative online platform and then finalized and voted on them.

RESULTS

The consensus includes 25 statements focused on medical treatment options. Consensus was not reached, and no recommendations were made, for 14 additional statements, largely due to lack of evidence. The group suggested corticosteroid therapies (including budesonide for mild to moderate disease). The group suggested exclusive enteral nutrition for induction therapy and biologic tumor necrosis factor antagonists for induction and maintenance therapy at diagnosis or at early stages of severe disease, and for patients failed by steroid and immunosuppressant induction therapies. The group recommended against the use of oral 5-aminosalicylate for induction or maintenance therapy in patients with moderate disease, and recommended against thiopurines for induction therapy, corticosteroids for maintenance therapy, and cannabis in any role. The group was unable to clearly define the role of concomitant immunosuppressants during initiation therapy with a biologic agent, although thiopurine combinations are not recommended for male patients. No consensus was reached on the role of aminosalicylates in treatment of patients with mild disease, antibiotics or vedolizumab for induction or maintenance therapy, or methotrexate for induction therapy. Patients in clinical remission who are receiving immunomodulators should be assessed for mucosal healing within 1 year of treatment initiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence-based medical treatment of Crohn's disease in children is recommended, with thorough ongoing assessments to define treatment success.

Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Clinical Practice Guideline for the Medical Management of Pediatric Luminal Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We aim to provide guidance for medical treatment of luminal Crohn's disease in children.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search of publication databases to identify studies of medical management of pediatric Crohn's disease. Quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were rated according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach. We developed statements through an iterative online platform and then finalized and voted on them.

RESULTS

The consensus includes 25 statements focused on medical treatment options. Consensus was not reached, and no recommendations were made, for 14 additional statements, largely due to lack of evidence. The group suggested corticosteroid therapies (including budesonide for mild to moderate disease). The group suggested exclusive enteral nutrition for induction therapy and biologic tumor necrosis factor antagonists for induction and maintenance therapy at diagnosis or at early stages of severe disease, and for patients failed by steroid and immunosuppressant induction therapies. The group recommended against the use of oral 5-aminosalicylate for induction or maintenance therapy in patients with moderate disease, and recommended against thiopurines for induction therapy, corticosteroids for maintenance therapy, and cannabis in any role. The group was unable to clearly define the role of concomitant immunosuppressants during initiation therapy with a biologic agent, although thiopurine combinations are not recommended for male patients. No consensus was reached on the role of aminosalicylates in treatment of patients with mild disease, antibiotics or vedolizumab for induction or maintenance therapy, or methotrexate for induction therapy. Patients in clinical remission who are receiving immunomodulators should be assessed for mucosal healing within 1 year of treatment initiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence-based medical treatment of Crohn's disease in children is recommended, with thorough ongoing assessments to define treatment success.

Mucosal Healing and Bacterial Composition in Response to Enteral Nutrition Vs Steroid-based Induction Therapy-A Randomised Prospective Clinical Trial in Children With Crohn's Disease

AIMS

Exclusive enteral nutrition [EEN] is as efficacious as corticosteroids [CS] to induce remission in Crohn's disease [CD], without their adverse effects. EEN seems to be more efficient than steroids to induce mucosal healing, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are only sparsely understood. We aimed in the present work to study the anti-inflammatory effects of EEN with Modulen IBD® vs CS in active paediatric CD, and to assess its modulatory effects on the intestinal microbiota as compared with steroids.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nineteen patients with new-onset active CD (Harvey-Bradshaw index [HBI] >5), aged from 6 to 17 years, were included in this prospective randomised induction trial with CS [n = 6] or EEN [n = 13]. Patients were assessed at Weeks 0 and 8 using clinical parameters HBI, endoscopic findings (Crohn's Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity [CDEIS] score) and analysis of faecal microbiota composition.

RESULTS

At 8 weeks, clinical remission [HBI <5] was achieved in 13/13 patients on EEN and 5/6 patients on steroids; the mucosal healing rate was significantly higher in the EEN [89%] compared with steroid group [17%]. There were no significant differences between groups regarding biological markers, but the intestinal microbiota profiles shifted upon EEN-induced remission to a higher proportion of Ruminococcus bacteria compared with steroid-induced remission [p = 0.049], and with higher proportions of bacteria belonging to Clostridium in EEN-treated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Both steroid and EEN induced clinical remission. However, patients with EEN-induced remission showed a higher rate of mucosal healing and this was associated with a different gut microbiota compositional shift in these children.

Dietary Management of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a life-long relapsing and remitting condition characterized by inflammation of the intestine. While the exact pathogenesis of IBD is unclear, the current belief is that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in development of disease. Management options include nutritional, pharmacological, and surgical therapies. In particular, nutritional therapies for IBD have garnered significant interest due to their limited side effect profile, bowel-sparing nature, and naturalistic approach. This review will examine the role of diet in the pathogenesis and malnutrition in IBD, and will discuss dietary approaches to management of IBD, including exclusive enteral nutrition, specific carbohydrate diet, anti-inflammatory diet, and food supplements (specifically curcumin and long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids). Past and recent literature on these subjects were reviewed in Medhub and Scopus databases for this review article with a focus on pediatric and high-quality publications. At this time, these approaches seem to be safe and show promise of an efficacious sole or supplemental role in the treatment of IBD, but randomized, prospective studies are lacking. Additional studies investigating these diets and food supplements are needed to provide more information on their efficacy, mechanism, applicability, and safety.

Characteristics of polymeric formula and route of delivery of exclusive enteral nutrition have no effect on disease outcome and weight gain in pediatric Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the route of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) delivery (orally or via nasogastric (NG) tube) and type of polymeric formula (with taste vs tasteless and isocaloric vs hypercaloric) on the disease outcome and nutritional status in children with Crohn's disease (CD).

METHODS

This was a single center retrospective study which included all CD patients whose active disease at diagnosis was treated with EEN in the period from October 2007 to November 2017. All patients received polymeric formula orally or through a NG tube, which was based on the physicians and child's preference.

RESULTS

A total of 92 CD patients were included in the study (mean age 13.6 ± 3.0 years; 45.7% female). Overall, 42 (45.7%) patients received EEN via NG tube until the end of the EEN period. Remission was achieved in 71 (77.2%) children. There was no difference in the EEN failure status, remission duration, inflammatory markers, and weight gain at the end of the EEN period between oral intake and NG tube groups. None of the factors including age, disease location, type of formula (with taste vs tasteless and isocaloric vs hypercaloric) and mode of delivery (orally vs through NG tube for the whole duration of EEN) demonstrated an association with EEN failure.

CONCLUSION

This study failed to demonstrate an effect of the route of EEN delivery and the characteristics of the polymeric formula on the outcome of treatment in pediatric patients with CD.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Exclusive Enteral Nutrition with Specific Polymeric Diet in Pediatric Crohn's Disease

PURPOSE

The efficacy of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) with a polymeric diet has not been confirmed in Korean pediatric patients with Crohn's disease (CD). This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of EEN with a specific polymeric diet (Encover®) and corticosteroids (CSs) for the induction of remission in Korean pediatric CD patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively compared data from 51 pediatric CD patients who underwent induction therapy with EEN (n=19) or CSs (n=32) at Severance Children's Hospital or Incheon St. Mary's Hospital in Korea. The primary endpoint of this study was the rate of clinical remission, defined as a Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) score <10, after 8 weeks of induction treatment. Clinical, laboratory, and growth data at post-induction as well as their changes from baseline were also compared between groups.

RESULTS

After 8 weeks of induction therapy, clinical remission rates were 78.9% (15/19) and 65.6% (21/32) in the EEN and CS groups, respectively (p=0.313). No significant differences in PCDAI scores, laboratory variables, and growth parameters were noted between the two groups at post-induction. However, significant changes in albumin levels at post-induction were observed in the EEN group compared to the CS group (p=0.038).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the effectiveness of EEN with a polymeric diet and CSs for induction therapy did not differ in Korean pediatric CD patients. EEN with a polymeric diet is a good first-line treatment option for the induction of remission in these patients.

Exclusive enteral nutrition versus corticosteroids for treatment of pediatric Crohn's disease: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Many studies have examined the effects of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) in children with Crohn's disease (CD), but corticosteroids are considered a superior therapy and are frequently used in China. This meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy of EEN with corticosteroids in treating pediatric CD.

METHODS

A comprehensive retrieval from medical databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Wanfang data, VIP and CNKI, was performed using the search terms "diet therapy", "exclusive enteral nutrition", "Crohn's disease", "inflammatory bowel diseases", "child" and "pediatrics" from January 1990 to April 2017.

RESULTS

We included 18 studies from 1329 identified sources in this meta-analysis. EEN was as effective as corticosteroids in inducing remission rate of children suffering from CD (OR = 1.35; 95% CI 0.90, 2.10; P = 0.14). Nevertheless, patients who received EEN were more likely to achieve both endoscopic mucosal healing (OR = 5.24; 95% CI 2.06, 13.37; P = 0.0005) and histological mucosal healing (OR = 4.78; 95% CI 1.89, 12.08; P = 0.0009) than those who received corticosteroids; the Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index was lower [mean difference (MD) = - 3.67; 95% CI - 4.91, - 2.43] and weight gain was higher (MD = 1.92; 95% CI 0.02, 3.83; P = 0.05) in those patients who received EEN than in those who received corticosteroids. No difference was found in relapse rate (OR = 0.57; 95% CI 0.25, 1.29; P = 0.18), height for age or body mass index between the patients treated with EEN and corticosteroids at the 1-year end point.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis reveals that there is no significant difference between EEN and corticosteroids in the efficacy of inducing remission rate of CD in a pediatric population, but EEN is superior to corticosteroids in improving short-term mucosal inflammation and reducing the PCDAI index.

Exclusive enteral nutrition with concomitant early thiopurine use was effective in maintaining steroid-free remission in a Southeast Asian cohort of children with Crohn's disease

Background

Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is as effective as corticosteroids in inducing remission in children with Crohn’s disease (CD). However, over 50% of these children relapse by 12 months of diagnosis. Thiopurines are commonly prescribed as maintenance therapy for CD, but evidence for its efficacy is controversial. Data on the effectiveness of EEN in Southeast Asian (SEA) children with CD is scarce. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of EEN induction therapy in a cohort of SEA children with newly diagnosed CD. The secondary aim was to evaluate concomitant early azathioprine (EAZ) use in determining remission rate at 6 and 12 months.

Methods

Case records of all children with newly diagnosed CD from 2011 to 2014 were reviewed and relevant demographic as well as clinical data were extracted. The primary outcome measure was the number of patients who completed EEN induction therapy and achieved remission (Paediatric Crohn’s Disease Activity Index; PCDAI≤10). Factors influencing duration of remission were evaluated in particular early azathioprine (EAZ) defined as starting azathioprine within one month of diagnosis versus late azathioprine (LAZ) use.

Results

Forty children with newly diagnosed CD were identified. Thirty-three children: 67% boys, median age 13y (range 3–17) completed 8 weeks of EEN induction therapy and 91% achieved remission. Significant improvements were seen in PCDAI scores (32.7 ± 9.2 to 4.2 ± 5.1; p < 0.001), mean BMI z-score (− 1.38 ± 1.57 to − 0.82 ± 1.27; p = 0.004) and baseline inflammatory markers: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (51.6 ± 30.1 mm/h to 13.3 ± 7.1 mm/h; p < 0.0001) C-Reactive Protein (44.6 ± 51.0 mg/L to 5.2 ± 7.6 mg/L; p = 0.001), Albumin (30.7 ± 7.5 g/L to 38.7 ± 3.9 g/L; p < 0.0001), Platelets (464 ± 161 × 10⁹ to 370 ± 111 × 10⁹; p < 0.0001),. Early azathioprine initiation was associated with a remission rate of 80 and 73% at 6 and 12 months respectively. Remission was also maintained for longer duration in EAZ vs LAZ groups (p = 0.048).

Conclusion

EEN effectively induces remission in this cohort of SEA children with newly diagnosed CD. Early initiation of thiopurine with EEN induction therapy is effective in maintaining steroid-free remission for at least one year.