Long-term therapeutic effectiveness of maintenance enteral nutrition for Crohn's disease

Precision nutrition in pediatric IBD: A position paper from the ESPGHAN special interest group for basic science and translational research, the IBD Porto group, and allied health professionals

Stratified and precision nutrition refers to disease management or prevention of disease onset, based on dietary interventions tailored to a person's characteristics, biology, gut microbiome, and environmental exposures. Such treatment models may lead to more effective management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and reduce risk of disease development. This societal position paper aimed to report advances made in stratified and precision nutritional therapy in IBD. Following a structured literature search, limited to human studies, we identified four relevant themes: (a) nutritional epidemiology for risk prediction of IBD development, (b) food-based dietary interventions in IBD, (c) exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) for Crohn's disease (CD) management, and (d) pre- and probiotics for IBD management. There is scarce literature upon which we can make recommendations for precision or stratified dietary therapy for IBD, both for risk of disease development and disease management. Certain single-nucleotide polymorphisms related to polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) metabolism may modify the effect dietary PUFA have in increasing the risk of IBD development. Non-colonic CD, mild-to-moderate CD, and high microbiota richness may predict success of EEN and may be used both for prediction of treatment continuation, but also for early cessation in nonresponders. There is currently insufficient evidence to make recommendations for precision or stratified dietary therapy for patients with established IBD. Despite the great interest in stratified and precision nutrition, we currently lack data to support conclusive recommendations. Replication of early findings by independent research groups and within structured clinical interventions is required.

Medical Management of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (PIBD) in the Asia Pacific Region: A Position Paper by the Asian Pan-Pacific Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (APPSPGHAN) PIBD Working Group

Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) is rising rapidly in many industrialised and affluent areas in the Asia Pacific region. Current available guidelines, mainly from Europe and North America, may not be completely applicable to clinicians caring for children with PIBD in this region due to differences in disease characteristics and regional resources constraints. This position paper is an initiative from the Asian Pan-Pacific Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (APPSPGHAN) with the aim of providing an up-to-date, evidence-based approach to PIBD in the Asia Pacific region, taking into consideration the unique disease characteristics and financial resources available in this region. A group of pediatric gastroenterologists with special interest in PIBD performed an extensive literature search covering epidemiology, disease characteristics and natural history, management and monitoring. Gastrointestinal infections, including tuberculosis, need to be excluded before diagnosing IBD. In some populations in Asia, the Nudix Hydrolase 15 (NUD15) gene is a better predictor of leukopenia induced by azathioprine than thiopurine-S-methyltransferase (TPMT). The main considerations in the use of biologics in the Asia Pacific region are high cost, ease of access, and potential infectious risk, especially tuberculosis. Conclusion: This position paper provides a useful guide to clinicians in the medical management of children with PIBD in the Asia Pacific region.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Customized Nutritional Intervention Focusing on Gut Microbiome Balance

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a chronic relapsing–remitting condition affecting the gastrointestinal system. The specific triggering IBD elements remain unknown: genetic variability, environmental factors, and alterations in the host immune system seem to be involved. An unbalanced diet and subsequent gut dysbiosis are risk factors, too. This review focuses on the description of the impact of pro- and anti-inflammatory food components on IBD, the role of different selected regimes (such as Crohn’s Disease Exclusion Diet, Immunoglobulin Exclusion Diet, Specific Carbohydrate Diet, LOFFLEX Diet, Low FODMAPs Diet, Mediterranean Diet) in the IBD management, and their effects on the gut microbiota (GM) composition and balance. The purpose is to investigate the potential positive action on IBD inflammation, which is associated with the exclusion or addition of certain foods or nutrients, to more consciously customize the nutritional intervention, taking also into account GM fluctuations during both disease flare-up and remission.

Dietary Nutrient Intake and Blood Micronutrient Status of Children with Crohn's Disease Compared with Their Shared-Home Environment, Healthy Siblings

(1) The nutritional status of children with Crohn’s disease (CD) is rarely described. This study aimed to assess the dietary intake and blood micronutrient status of children with CD compared with their healthy, shared-environment siblings. (2) Methods: This observational study included children with CD (cases) and their shared-environment siblings (controls). The dietary nutrient intake was assessed with a four-day food/beverage diary and was compared with the recommended daily intakes (RDI). Blood micronutrient concentrations were measured using laboratory methods. The nutritional analyses were completed through a multivariate analysis of variance between groups. Between-group comparisons of single-nutrients were assessed using a Mann−Whitney U-test. Chi-squared analyses compared the proportion of children who did not meet the RDI for each nutrient. The results were significant at 0.05. (3) Results: The dietary intake was similar for most nutrients, except the controls had a lower intake of vitamins A and E, copper, zinc, iron, and selenium (p < 0.05). Children using partial enteral nutrition had significantly higher intakes of many micronutrients. It was common for both groups to not meet the RDI’s—more than 50% of cases for 9 nutrients and more than 50% of controls for 13 nutrients. (4) Conclusion: New Zealand children with CD and their shared-environment siblings did not meet the RDI for several micronutrients. Dietary education and/or micronutrient supplementation may be required.

Absent X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein expression in T cell blasts and causal mutations including non-coding deletion

BACKGROUND

X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) deficiency is one of inborn errors of immunity characterized by recurrent hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and refractory inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), mimicking Crohn's disease. The aim of this study is to make an accurate diagnosis of XIAP deficiency based on genetic and XIAP expression studies and to investigate endoscopic findings shared by patients with this disease.

METHODS

Four male patients with recurrent hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and long-term refractory IBD were studied for the diagnosis of XIAP deficiency. Endoscopic findings of the four patients were also studied in parallel.

RESULTS

These four patients were diagnosed with XIAP deficiency based on the absent XIAP expression in cultured T-cell blasts. Sequence analysis of the responsible gene, XIAP, demonstrated two novel nonsense mutations of p.Gln114X and p.Glu25X, and a previously reported nonsense mutation of p.Arg381X. Although no mutations in the coding region were detected in the fourth patient, further studies demonstrated a novel 2,199 bp deletion encompassing non-coding exon 1, presumably affecting transcription and stability of XIAP mRNA. All of the patients eventually underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, leading to a complete or partial remission of IBD. These four patients shared an endoscopic finding of multiple wide and longitudinal ulcers with straight and non-raised edge in the colon.

CONCLUSIONS

X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein expression in T-cell blasts could facilitate the diagnosis of this disease, especially with causal mutations in non-coding regions.

Nutritional Therapies and Their Influence on the Intestinal Microbiome in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, autoimmune disorder of the gastrointestinal tract with numerous genetic and environmental risk factors. Patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) often demonstrate marked disruptions of their gut microbiome. The intestinal microbiota is strongly influenced by diet. The association between the increasing incidence of IBD worldwide and increased consumption of a westernized diet suggests host nutrition may influence the progression or treatment of IBD via the microbiome. Several nutritional therapies have been studied for the treatment of CD and UC. While their mechanisms of action are only partially understood, existing studies do suggest that diet-driven changes in microbial composition and function underlie the diverse mechanisms of nutritional therapy. Despite existing therapies for IBD focusing heavily on immune suppression, nutrition is an important treatment option due to its superior safety profile, potentially low cost, and benefits for growth and development. These benefits are increasingly important to patients. In this review, we will describe the clinical efficacy of the different nutritional therapies that have been described for the treatment of CD and UC. We will also describe the effects of each nutritional therapy on the gut microbiome and summarize the strength of the literature with recommendations for the practicing clinician.

Efficacy of drug and endoscopic treatment of Crohn's disease strictures: A systematic review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Strictures are the commonest complication in Crohn's disease. Surgery and endoscopic dilation are the mainstays of treatment, while drug therapy has often been considered contraindicated. The benefit of nonsurgical treatments, particularly drug and endoscopic therapy, need to be defined.

METHODS

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library (inception until August 30, 2019) were searched. Studies with ≥ 10 patients with Crohn's disease strictures, reporting on outcomes following medication or endoscopic treatment, were included.

RESULTS

Of 3480 records, 85 studies met inclusion criteria and formed the basis of this analysis. Twenty-five studies assessed drug therapy; none were randomized trials. Despite study heterogeneity anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy appeared effective, with 50% of patients avoiding surgery after 4 years of follow up. No other drug therapy was of demonstrable benefit. Sixty studies assessed endoscopic therapy including 56 on endoscopic balloon dilation, two assessed needle knife stricturotomy, and two stent insertion. Dilation was equally effective for de novo and anastomotic strictures ≤ 5 cm in length, with most studies reporting a subsequent surgical rate of 30% to 50%. Repeat dilation was required in approximately half of all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-TNF drug therapy and endoscopic balloon dilation are effective strategies for avoiding surgery in patients with stricturing Crohn's disease. Additional endoscopic therapies require further evaluation. Early data suggest that combining these therapies may provide greater benefit than individual therapies. Optimization of current drug and endoscopic therapy, and the incorporation of newer therapies, are needed for stricturing Crohn's disease.

ORAL AND ENTERAL NUTRITION THERAPY IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES AMONG THE PEDIATRIC POPULATION: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Objectives:

To review the literature on oral and enteral nutrition therapy and investigate the evidence of its efficacy as a treatment, as well as in preventing relapses and reducing symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases in the pediatric population.

Data source:

We performed a bibliographic search in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde - Lilacs) databases, using the keywords “inflammatory bowel disease,” “diet,” and “diet therapy” in English and Portuguese, with filters for pediatric studies published in the previous five years.

Data summary:

We selected 16 articles for this study, nine on exclusive and/or partial enteral nutrition and seven on modified oral diets, such as the specific carbohydrate diet (SCD) and the Crohn’s Disease exclusion diet (CDED). The studies found evaluated the anthropometric profile of patients and the inflammatory profile of diseases in children before and after the introduction of each specific nutrition therapy. All interventions presented positive changes in these parameters; however, the results were inconclusive regarding the efficacy of SCD and CDED in the treatment and prevention of relapses.

Conclusions:

Exclusive enteral nutrition has proven to be effective in inducing remission of Crohn’s Disease, and the use of partial enteral nutrition for maintenance treatment has shown promising results. Other modified oral diets are inconclusive concerning their effectiveness, requiring further randomized controlled clinical trials.

Allergic and Immunologic Perspectives of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory condition primarily involving the gastrointestinal tract. It includes Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and a less common phenotype-indeterminate colitis. It is thought to result from a complex interplay of environmental, microbial, and host factors including genetic factors, although the exact mechanism is not known. Dietary factors have been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of IBD and can potentially alter the intestinal microbiota as well as disrupt the immune function in the gut. CD is characterized by transmural inflammation, sometimes associated with granulomatous lesions, and involves the entire gastrointestinal tract but often spares the rectum. UC is characterized by mucosal inflammation typically confined to the colon and rectum. Although IBD is mostly seen in western world, recent data suggests that the incidence and prevalence are increasing worldwide. Enteral nutrition has been shown to be effective in inducing remission in pediatric population with CD; however, there is mixed data in adult population. Nutritional deficiencies such as vitamin D and zinc deficiency are often noted in IBD patients. Several extraintestinal manifestations are noted in patients with IBD. Some of them parallel with the disease activity and others are independent of the disease course. Assessment of IBD disease activity clinically, radiologically, if indicated, biochemically and endoscopically is important to guide therapy in IBD. To ensure comprehensive care, it is important to assess associated conditions such as nutritional and psychological well-being, as well as age appropriate health maintenance status prior to starting treatment for IBD. Several biologic agents including anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-α) drugs, anti-integrins, and antibodies to the p40 subunit of IL12/23 are approved for induction and maintenance of remission of IBD. Steroids are also often used for induction. Anti-metabolites and thiopurines are also useful either as monotherapy or in combination regimens. Potential side effects of anti-TNF-α drugs such as serious infections, malignancy, worsening of heart failure, and infusion-related reactions should be considered prior to starting these drugs. Anti-TNF-α drugs with or without immunomodulators (azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate) are often used for the induction and maintenance of remission. Treating to target of endoscopic and clinical remission provides the best long-term outcomes. Our knowledge and understanding of IBD has grown significantly. However, there are several unanswered questions on pathogenesis, disease behavior, and drivers of inflammation in various patient subgroups which require further research.

Efficacy of enteral nutrition in patients with Crohn's disease on maintenance anti-TNF-alpha antibody therapy: a meta-analysis

Enteral nutrition (EN) is effective in Crohn's disease (CD) patients and has been shown to have an inhibitory effect on loss of response to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha antibody therapy; however, the current level of evidence is not sufficient. The objective of this meta-analysis was to determine whether EN in combination anti-TNF-alpha antibody therapy is useful in maintaining remission. PubMed was used to identify all relevant studies. A total of nine articles were identified including one randomized control trial, two prospective cohort studies, and six retrospective cohort studies. We performed a meta-analysis on all these articles to assess the remission maintenance effect of EN (n = 857). The remission or response maintenance effect in the EN group was 203/288 (70.5%), which was higher than 306/569 (53.8%) in the non-EN group. The odds ratio for long-term remission or response using fixed effects model and random effects model were 2.23 (95% CI 1.60-3.10) and 2.19 (95% CI 1.49-3.22), respectively. The usefulness of EN was unclear in two prospective studies that were conducted immediately after remission induction with anti-TNF-alpha antibody therapy was detected. Differences in the definition of relapse and the observation period among articles were considered to be limitations. This analysis suggests that EN is effective for maintaining remission in patients already in remission or response as a result of anti-TNF-alpha antibody maintenance therapy.

Surgical Management of Crohn Disease in Children: Guidelines From the Paediatric IBD Porto Group of ESPGHAN

The incidence of Crohn disease (CD) has been increasing and surgery needs to be contemplated in a substantial number of cases. The relevant advent of biological treatment has changed but not eliminated the need for surgery in many patients. Despite previous publications on the indications for surgery in CD, there was a need for a comprehensive review of existing evidence on the role of elective surgery and options in pediatric patients affected with CD. We present an expert opinion and critical review of the literature to provide evidence-based guidance to manage these patients. Indications, surgical options, risk factors, and medications in pre- and perioperative period are reviewed in the light of available evidence. Risks and benefits of surgical options are addressed. An algorithm is proposed for the management of postsurgery monitoring, timing for follow-up endoscopy, and treatment options.

Towards an integrated understanding of the therapeutic utility of exclusive enteral nutrition in the treatment of Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic disease characterized by episodic and disabling inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract in genetically susceptible individuals. The incidence and prevalence of CD is rising rapidly across the world emphasising that disease risk is also influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, as well as the microbial community resident in the gut. Childhood-onset CD is associated with an aggressive disease course that can adversely impact patient growth and development. There is no cure for CD however new onset and recurrent cases of paediatric CD are often responsive to exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) treatment. EEN treatment involves the exclusive consumption of an elemental or polymeric formula for several weeks and it is well established as a primary intervention strategy. EEN treatments typically achieve remission rates of over 80% and importantly they are associated with a high rate of mucosal healing, far superior to steroids, which is prognostic of improved long-term health outcomes. Furthermore, they are safe, have few side effects, and improve nutritional status and linear growth. Surprisingly, despite the utility of EEN our understanding of the host-microbe-diet interactions that underpin clinical remission and mucosal healing are limited. Here, we review the current state of knowledge and propose that the induction of autophagy, in addition to modulation of the microbiota and coordinated effects on inflammation and epithelial cell biology, may be critical for the therapeutic effects associated with EEN. A better understanding of EEN treatment will provide new opportunities to restore gut homeostasis and prolong periods of remission, as well as provide new insights into the factors that trigger and perhaps prevent CD.

Maintenance of Remission with Partial Enteral Nutrition Therapy in Pediatric Crohn's Disease: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Partial enteral nutrition (PEN) may be helpful for the maintenance of remission in pediatric Crohn's disease patients.

AIMS

To evaluate the efficacy of PEN treatment for preventing clinical relapse.

METHODS

We retrospectively assessed 42 pediatric Crohn's disease patients who entered clinical remission on 4-12 weeks of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) and were maintained on PEN as a supplementary diet. We evaluated the efficacy of the treatment at different time points using the weighted Pediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index (wPCDAI), Physician Global Assessment, laboratory parameters, and growth of each patient. Additionally, we assessed the use of concomitant medications.

RESULTS

The median length of remission with PEN was 6 (0-36) months. Patients' remission was maintained on PEN without concomitant medications for a median time of zero months (0-16). The mean body mass index in the PEN group increased from 18.1 to 18.8 after six months of PEN. The median wPCDAI decreased from 30 at diagnosis to 5.0 after EEN and increased to 7.5 after three months of PEN. Overall, the median wPCDAI decreased by 26.2.

CONCLUSIONS

PEN treatment was partially effective in maintaining remission and was able to increase BMI and lower wPCDAI. Most patients required concomitant medication after PEN initiation.

Intestinal barrier dysfunction: implications for chronic inflammatory conditions of the bowel

The intestinal epithelium of adult humans acts as a differentially permeable barrier that separates the potentially harmful contents of the lumen from the underlying tissues. Any dysfunction of this boundary layer that disturbs the homeostatic equilibrium between the internal and external environments may initiate and sustain a biochemical cascade that results in inflammation of the intestine. Key to such dysfunction are genetic, microbial and other environmental factors that, singularly or in combination, result in chronic inflammation that is symptomatic of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of the present review is to assess the scientific evidence to support the hypothesis that defective transepithelial transport mechanisms and the heightened absorption of intact antigenic proinflammatory oligopeptides are important contributing factors in the pathogenesis of IBD.

Toward enteral nutrition for the treatment of pediatric Crohn disease in Canada: a workshop to identify barriers and enablers

The treatment armamentarium in pediatric Crohn disease (CD) is very similar to adult-onset CD with the notable exception of the use of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN [the administration of a liquid formula diet while excluding normal diet]), which is used more frequently by pediatric gastroenterologists to induce remission. In pediatric CD, EEN is now recommended by the pediatric committee of the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation and the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition as a first-choice agent to induce remission, with remission rates in pediatric studies consistently >75%. To chart and address enablers and barriers of use of EEN in Canada, a workshop was held in September 2014 in Toronto (Ontario), inviting pediatric gastroenterologists, nurses and dietitians from most Canadian pediatric IBD centres as well as international faculty from the United States and Europe with particular research and clinical expertise in the dietary management of pediatric CD. Workshop participants ranked the exclusivity of enteral nutrition; the health care resources; and cost implications as the top three barriers to its use. Conversely, key enablers mentioned included: standardization and sharing of protocols for use of enteral nutrition; ensuring sufficient dietetic resources; and reducing the cost of EEN to the family (including advocacy for reimbursement by provincial ministries of health and private insurance companies). Herein, the authors report on the discussions during this workshop and list strategies to enhance the use of EEN as a treatment option in the treatment of pediatric CD in Canada.