Longer-Term Outcomes of Nutritional Management of Crohn's Disease in Children

While the short-term benefits of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) for induction of remission in children with Crohn's disease (CD) are well documented, the longer-term outcomes are less clear. This retrospective study aimed to ascertain the outcomes for up to 24 months following EEN in a group of children with CD. Children treated with EEN as initial therapy for newly diagnosed CD over a 5-year period were identified. Details of disease activity, growth, and drug requirements over the period of follow-up were noted. Outcomes in children managed with EEN were compared to a group of children initially treated with corticosteroids. Over this time period, 31 children were treated with EEN and 26 with corticosteroids. Twenty-six (84 %) of the 31 children treated with EEN entered remission. Children treated with EEN exhibited lower pediatric Crohn's disease activity index (PCDAI) scores at 6 months (p = 0.02) and received lower cumulative doses of steroids over the study period (p < 0.0001) than the group treated with corticosteroids. Height increments over 24 months were greater in the EEN group (p = 0.01). Although the median times to relapse were the same, the EEN group had a lower incidence of relapse in each time interval and survival curve analysis showed lower risk of relapse (p = 0.008). EEN lead to multiple benefits beyond the initial period of inducing remission for these children, with positive outcomes over 2 years from diagnosis. Of particular clinical relevance to growing children was the reduced exposure to corticosteroids.