Abstract
Introduction
Patients (pts) with Crohn’s disease (CD) undergoing multiple surgeries are at risk of extensive bowel resections, short bowel syndrome (SBS) and malnutrition and may need home parenteral nutrition (HPN). The aim of our study was to estimate the incidence of HPN use in pts with CD in a population-based cohort, and to assess clinical outcomes and complications associated with nutritional intervention.
Methods
This study was a retrospective population-based cohort using Rochester Epidemiology Project to identify pts who were diagnosed with CD between 1970 and 2011 in Olmsted County, MN. To identify the individuals who required HPN, these Pts were crossed against the list of those who enrolled in the local HPN program. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate incidence and clinical outcomes.
Results
Four hundred twenty nine pts with CD were diagnosed in Olmsted County between 1970 and 2011. Of these, 14 received HPN between 1992 and 2018. The pts were followed for a median of 16.85 years after diagnosis of CD (interquartile (IQR), 12.25–24.70) and required HPN a median of 7.67 years after diagnosis (IQR,1.6–15.89). Among the 14 receiving HPN, 85.71% were females. Eleven (78.57%) had moderate to severe CD and 12 (85.71%) pts involved with fistulizing disease. Crohn’s disease involved the ileum in 92.86%, colon in 71.43%, and proximal GI in 14.29% of the pts. Thirteen (92.86%) pts underwent surgery primarily due to obstruction (84.62%). Other indication included: failure of medical therapy (46.15%), fistulizing disease (46.15%), severe pain (30.77%), abdominal abscess (23.08%), bleeding (15.38%), and necrosis (15.38%). Median number of bowel resections was 4 (range, 0–7). Twelve pts (85.71%) had a stoma placed.
The median duration of HPN was 2.48 years (range, 0.11–16.36). Indications for HPN included SBS in 64.28%, malnutrition in 28.57% and bowel rest in 21.43%. The mean number of hospitalizations after the start of HPN was 5 (range, 0–20). Catheter-related bloodstream infections occurred in 10 (71.43%) pts, and 3 (21.43%) had a thrombosis. Four pts had osteoporosis and 2 had osteopenia. Parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease occurred in 2 (14.29%) of pts. The pts’ body weight increased a median of 2.5 kilograms (kg) 6 months after the start of HPN but decreased a median of 1 kg at 12 months. Four (30.77%) pts were on HPN at time of last follow-up. Five (35.71%) pts deceased mainly due to CD.
Conclusion
Less than 4% of pts with CD need HPN. Most pts on HPN have moderate to severe disease who have undergone extensive bowel resection with resultant SBS and malnutrition. Approximately 70% were able to discontinue HPN. Interestingly, after 6 months, pts lost most of the weight they gained during the first 6 months of HPN. It was possible that this was due to noncompliance, or increased metabolic needs because of active disease.
Home Parenteral Nutrition as Primary Therapy in Patients with Extensive Crohn's Disease of the Small Bowel and Malnutrition