Abstract
Background
Exclusive Enteral nutrition (EEN) is not routinely used as induction therapy for adults with active Crohn’s disease (CD)due to limited adherence and palatability. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy, tolerability and safety of EEN in adult patients with CD.
Methods
Retrospective analysis of data from patients with active CD who underwent induction therapy with EEN at a single centre from January 2018 to July 2019. All patients who completed at least 4 weeks of polymeric EEN diet were included in the final analysis. Primary Endpoint (PE) was steroid-free clinical remission (CDAI ≤150) or response (100 point decrease in CDAI) at the end of therapy. Secondary endpoint (SE) was achievement of biochemical remission (CRP <5 mg/l or Calprotectin <150 μg/g) at 8–10 weeks.
Results
Sixty-three patients were initiated on EEN, 50 patients who completed at least 4 weeks of EEN were included in the final analysis. Mean age was 42.4 years, 25 (50%) were females. Mean CDAI score at baseline was 260. Forty per cent of patients were on concurrent biologics and 66.6% were on concurrent immunomodulators. At the completion of EEN, 72% (36/50) of patients achieved PE (29 remission, 7 response). SE was achieved in 65.7% (23/35) of patients. EEN duration ≥ 6 weeks was more likely to achieve PE (75% vs. 55.5%, OR 2.7, P 0.01) and SE (71% vs. 25%, OR 7.3, P 0.001).EEN duration < 6 weeks and current smoking were less likely to achieve PE and SE. Patients with concomitant steroid use at baseline had PE of 77.7% (vs. 68.8% with EEN alone; OR 0.9, P 0.5), and SE of 66.6% (vs. 60.9% with EEN alone, OR 0.77, P 0.74). Disease location, behaviour, sex, disease duration, concurrent biologic use or concurrent immunomodulator use did not affect the PE or SE. Six patients reported adverse effects (3 nausea,2 diarrhoea,1 constipation). Male sex, ileal location, B2/B3 phenotype were more likely to complete a 6 week EEN course.
Conclusion
Polymeric EEN is well-tolerated, safe and efficacious in inducing remission in adults with active CD. EEN duration of ≥ 6 weeks has better outcomes. EEN alone or in combination with steroids induces remission in adult patients with active CD. Further controlled trials using polymeric EEN are necessary.
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