Impact of long-term enteral nutrition on clinical and endoscopic recurrence after resection for Crohn's disease: A prospective, non-randomized, parallel, controlled study

Exclusive Enteral Nutrition Orchestrates Immunological Balances as Early as Week 4 in Adult Patients of Crohn's Disease: A Pilot, Open-Lable Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The efficacy and underlying mechanisms of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) in adult patients with Crohn's disease (CD) remain controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the role of EEN in adult patients with CD and to explore the mechanisms from the perspective of immunoregulation.

METHODS

This is a prospective, open-label pilot study. Active patients with CD were enrolled and prescribed an amino-acid-rich elemental diet for 12 weeks. Dynamic changes in immune cells, including neutrophils, monocytes, T cells and B cells, were detected by flow cytometry. Plasma cytokines were evaluated by ELISA.

RESULTS

Twenty adult patients with CD were enrolled. Among them, 1 discontinued treatment due to poor compliance, and 19 patients were included for final analysis. Clinical remission was achieved in 47.37% (9/19), 63.16% (12/19), and 73.68% (14/19) patients at weeks 4, 8, and 12, respectively. Endoscopic remission and transmural healing were achieved in 52.63% (10/19) and 15.79% (3/19) patients at week 12. Notably, there was no significant difference in clinical remission between week 4 and week 8 (p = 0.33) or week 12 (p = 0.09). Furthermore, we observed a rapid reconstitution of immunologic homeostasis as early as week 4. At week 4, both the frequency and activation of neutrophils and monocytes were decreased after EEN therapy. Significant decreases in Th17 cells and naïve B cells, increases in memory B cells, and regulatory B cells were also detected. These changes remained stable at weeks 8 and 12.

CONCLUSIONS

EEN with an amino-acid-rich elemental diet orchestrated immunological balances and induces clinical remission in adult CD patients as early as week 4, suggesting a 4-week EEN therapy may be feasible and practicable in clinical practice.

Results of the Eighth Scientific Workshop of ECCO: Prevention and Treatment of Postoperative Recurrence in Patients With Crohn's Disease Undergoing an Ileocolonic Resection With Ileocolonic Anastomosis

Despite the introduction of biological therapies, an ileocolonic resection is often required in patients with Crohn's disease [CD]. Unfortunately, surgery is not curative, as many patients will develop postoperative recurrence [POR], eventually leading to further bowel damage and a decreased quality of life. The 8th Scientific Workshop of ECCO reviewed the available scientific data on both prevention and treatment of POR in patients with CD undergoing an ileocolonic resection, dealing with conventional and biological therapies, as well as non-medical interventions, including endoscopic and surgical approaches in case of POR. Based on the available data, an algorithm for the postoperative management in daily clinical practice was developed.

Dietary Interventions for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

This study aimed (1) to systematically review controlled trials of solid food diets for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); and (2) to grade the overall quality of evidence.

METHODS

Systematic review of prospective controlled trials of solid food diets for the induction or maintenance of remission in IBD. Two authors independently performed study selection, data extraction, and assessment of certainty of evidence. Meta-analyses were performed on studies with quantitative data on response, remission, and relapse.

RESULTS

There were 27 studies for meta-analysis. For induction of remission in Crohn's disease (CD), low refined carbohydrate diet and symptoms-guided diet outperformed controls, but studies had serious imprecision and very low certainty of evidence. The Mediterranean diet was similar to the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (low certainty of evidence), and partial enteral nutrition (PEN) was similar to exclusive enteral nutrition (very low certainty of evidence). PEN reduced risk of relapse (very low certainty of evidence), whereas reduction of red meat or refined carbohydrates did not (low certainty of evidence). For ulcerative colitis, diets were similar to controls (very low and low certainty of evidence).

CONCLUSIONS

Among the most robust dietary trials in IBD currently available, certainty of evidence remains very low or low. Nonetheless, emerging data suggest potential benefit with PEN for induction and maintenance of remission in CD. Reduction of red meat and refined carbohydrates might not reduce risk of CD relapse. As more dietary studies become available, the certainty of evidence could improve, thus allowing for more meaningful recommendations for patients.

Postoperative diarrhea in Crohn’s disease: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapy

Diarrhea is a frequent symptom in postoperative patients with Crohn’s diseases (CD), and several different mechanisms likely account for postoperative diarrhea in CD. A targeted strategy based on a comprehensive understanding of postoperative diarrhea is helpful for better postoperative recovery.

An elemental diet protects mouse salivary glands from 5‑fluorouracil‑induced atrophy

An elemental diet (ED) reduces adverse effects of chemotherapy, including oral mucositis, in patients with cancer. However, the detailed mechanism(s) of the healing effects of an ED remains unclear. In the present study, the protective effects of the ED, Elental^®, were examined against 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced oral mucositis and salivary gland atrophy in mice. Mucositis was induced in female ICR mice by injection of 5-FU. The mice were orally administered Elental^® (ED group) or saline (control group). After treatment, the mice body weight, salivary gland weight and the histological changes in the salivary gland granular duct area were monitored. The mice body weight remained stable in the ED group, but was significantly decreased in the control group. Moreover, the salivary gland weight was higher in the ED group compared with the control group. In addition, the salivary gland granular duct area cells were larger in the ED group compared with the control group. Whole transcriptome analysis and network analysis were conducted to understand the mechanisms of action of Elental^® against oral mucositis. Whole transcriptome analysis and Ingenuity Pathways Analysis data suggested that Elental^® contributed to the recovery of mitochondrial function in 5-FU-damaged salivary glands. Immunohistochemical analysis of salivary gland tissue demonstrated that the expression of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4 and epidermal growth factor were higher in the ED group compared with the control group. Next, the rate of apoptosis in the salivary glands was examined using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays. The number of TUNEL-positive cells in the salivary glands was lower in the ED group compared with the control group. These findings suggested that Elental^® may protect mouse salivary glands from 5-FU-induced atrophic changes, which suggests that ED treatment may improve xerostomia and alleviate oral mucositis in patients with cancer receiving 5-FU-based chemotherapy.

Amino Acids May Have Protective Effects on Salivary Glands of 5-FU-administered Mice

BACKGROUND/AIM

This study aimed to identify the most useful components of Elental^® in the treatment of 5-fluorouracil (FU)-induced mucositis and salivary gland atrophy in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mice (except the control group) were intraperitoneally injected with 5-FU. The mice received saline (control group and 5-FU group), dextrin (Dextrin group), amino acids (17AA group), or Elental^® (Elental^® group).

RESULTS

The volume and weight of salivary glands was higher in 17AA and Elental^® groups compared to 5-FU group. The number of mucous glands was higher, whereas the number of damaged granular ductal epithelial cells was lower in the salivary glands of all groups except the 5-FU group. Salivation was also decreased in the 5-FU group compared to the other groups.

CONCLUSION

Amino acids could be the most effective components of Elental^® for protecting mouse salivary glands from 5-FU-induced atrophic changes, and might be useful in the treatment of oral mucositis in cancer patients.

Diet and microbiome in the beginning of the sequence of gut inflammation

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract due, at least partially, to an aberrant and excessive mucosal immune response to gut bacteria in genetically-predisposed individuals under certain environmental factors. The incidence of IBD is rising in western and newly industrialized countries, paralleling the increase of westernized dietary patterns, through new antigens, epithelial function and permeability, epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., DNA methylation), and alteration of the gut microbiome. Alteration in the composition and functionality of the gut microbiome (including bacteria, viruses and fungi) seems to be a nuclear pathogenic factor. The microbiome itself is dynamic, and the changes in food quality, dietary habits, living conditions and hygiene of these western societies, could interact in a complex manner as modulators of dysbiosis, thereby influencing the activation of immune cells' promoting inflammation. The microbiome produces diverse small molecules via several metabolic ways, with the fiber-derived short-chain fatty acids (i.e., butyrate) as main elements and having anti-inflammatory effects. These metabolites and some micronutrients of the diet (i.e., vitamins, folic acid, beta carotene and trace elements) are regulators of innate and adaptive intestinal immune homeostasis. An excessive and unhealthy consumption of sugar, animal fat and a low-vegetable and -fiber diet are risk factors for IBD appearance. Furthermore, metabolism of nutrients in intestinal epithelium and in gut microbiota is altered by inflammation, changing the demand for nutrients needed for homeostasis. This role of food and a reduced gut microbial diversity in causing IBD might also have a prophylactic or therapeutic role for IBD. The relationship between dietary intake, symptoms, and bowel inflammation could lead to dietary and lifestyle recommendations, including diets with abundant fruits, vegetables, olive oil and oily fish, which have anti-inflammatory effects and could prevent dysbiosis and IBD. Dietary modulation and appropriate exclusion diets might be a new complementary management for treatment at disease flares and in refractory patients, even reducing complications, hospitalizations and surgery, through modifying the luminal intestinal environment.

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.

Let Food Be Thy Medicine-Its Role in Crohn's Disease

The food we eat is thought to play a role in both the increasing incidence as well as the course of Crohn's disease. What to eat and what to avoid is an increasingly important question for both patients and physicians. Restrictive diets are widely adopted by patients and carry the risk of inducing or worsening malnutrition, without any guarantees on anti-inflammatory potential. Nevertheless, exploration of novel therapies to improve long-term management of the disease is desperately needed and the widespread use of exclusive enteral nutrition in the induction of paediatric Crohn's disease makes us wonder if a similar approach would be beneficial in adult patients. This narrative review discusses the current clinical evidence on whole food diets in achieving symptomatic and inflammatory control in Crohn's disease and identifies knowledge gaps with areas for future research.

Nutrition Considerations in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The purpose of this article is to provide an updated review of the definition, prevalence, causes, and clinical management of malnutrition in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Prevalence of malnutrition in IBD is estimated to be between 6.1% and 69.7% depending on the definition used, the type of IBD, the clinical setting, and whether the IBD is active or in remission. Whereas older definitions of malnutrition have been found to be correlated with mortality and length of hospital stay, the more recent European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) 2015 and the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) definitions provide significantly different prevalence estimates of malnutrition when applied to the same patient population, and further work is needed to validate these two definitions against clinical outcomes. In patients with IBD with identified malnutrition, oral nutrition supplementation, enteral nutrition, or parenteral nutrition should be started. In malnourished patients with Crohn's disease undergoing surgery, preoperative enteral nutrition has been demonstrated to reduce the rate of postoperative complications. Overall, patients with IBD are at significant risk for malnutrition and should be screened for malnutrition by using a validated screening tool. The management of malnutrition in IBD is complex, and studies are often limited in their size or their ability to demonstrate an improvement in clinical outcomes based on specific nutrition-related interventions. Future studies particularly regarding the validation of new screening tools and perioperative management of malnutrition may provide insight into the standardization of diagnosis and management of malnutrition in IBD.

Medical therapies for postoperative Crohn's disease

Postoperative recurrence of Crohn's disease is common and requires a multidisciplinary approach between surgeons and gastroenterologists in the perioperative and postoperative period to improve outcomes in this patient population. Endoscopic recurrence precedes clinical and surgical recurrence and endoscopic monitoring is crucial to guide postoperative management. Risk stratification of patients is recommended to guide early prophylactic management, and follow-up endoscopic monitoring can guide intensification of therapy. This review summarizes evidence behind postoperative recurrence rates, disease monitoring techniques, nonbiologic and biologic therapies available to prevent and treat postoperative recurrence, risk factors associated with recurrence, and postoperative management strategies guided by endoscopic monitoring.

Levels of major and trace metals in the scalp hair of Crohn's disease patients: correlations among transition metals

Concentrations of 16 metals in the scalp hair of male Crohn's disease (CD) patients (n = 28) were compared to those of male control subjects (n = 25). The majority of patients (n = 20) took an anti-inflammatory agent (mesalazine), and several patients underwent colectomy. A low concentration of serum ferritin was observed in approximately 50% of CD patients due to Fe-deficiency anemia. The concentrations of Fe, Cr, and Co in the hair of CD patients were significantly higher than those of control subjects, and particularly high concentrations were found in CD patients with low serum ferritin. Significant correlations were found among the concentrations of Fe, Cr, and Co in the hair of CD patients, but not in control subjects. In agreement with previous reports, a significant negative correlation was found between ferritin and transferrin concentrations in serum, although the available data in this study was limited (n = 8). Transferrin not only binds to Fe³⁺ but also to Cr³⁺ and Co³⁺, and the amount of transferrin is increased in Fe-deficiency anemia. Thus, the majority of the Fe³⁺, Cr³⁺, and Co³⁺ in the serum of CD patients is likely to bind to transferrin, which may be associated with the higher concentrations of those metals, as well as the significant correlations among those metals in the scalp hair of CD patients. In addition, colectomy may alter the intestinal absorption rate of some metals, while mesalazine may increase the concentrations of Mn and some metals in the scalp hair by chelate formation.

The advanced lung cancer inflammation index predicts outcomes in patients with Crohn's disease after surgical resection

AIM

Precise biomarkers for predicting prognosis could help to identify high-risk Crohn's disease (CD) patients to facilitate better follow-up during the postoperative course. In this study, the primary aim is the identification of the most reliable nutrition marker that predicts surgical relapse in CD patients.

METHOD

We first evaluated the predictive value of various nutrition markers for postoperative surgical relapse in CD patients and identified the advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) as a promising biomarker. Then, we assessed the clinical significance of preoperative ALI in CD patients using two cohorts.

RESULTS

Preoperative ALI showed the highest correlation with reoperation rate compared with other nutritional parameters in CD patients receiving surgical resection (sensitivity 53%, specificity 86%, area under the curve 0.71). Lower levels of preoperative ALI were significantly correlated with the presence of perianal disease. A lower level of preoperative ALI was an independent prognostic factor for reoperation rate after an intestinal resection (hazard ratio 3.37, 95% CI 1.38-10.12, P = 0.006), and the prognostic impact of preoperative ALI was successfully validated in an independent cohort using the same cut-off value.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative ALI might be useful for postoperative management of CD patients.

The Role of Inflammation in Crohn's Disease Recurrence after Surgical Treatment

Introduction

Postoperative recurrence after surgery for Crohn's disease (CD) is virtually inevitable, and its mechanism is poorly known.

Aim

To review the numerous factors involved in CD postoperative recurrence (POR) pathogenesis, focusing on single immune system components as well as the immune system as a whole and highlighting the clinical significance in terms of preventive strategies and future perspectives.

Methods

A systematic literature search on CD POR, followed by a review of the main findings.

Results

The immune system plays a pivotal role in CD POR, with many different factors involved. Memory T-lymphocytes retained in mesenteric lymph nodes seem to represent the main driving force. New pathophysiology-based preventive strategies in the medical and surgical fields may help reduce POR rates. In particular, surgical strategies have already been developed and are currently under investigation.

Conclusions

POR is a complex phenomenon, whose driving mechanisms are gradually being unraveled. New preventive strategies addressing these mechanisms seem promising.

The Medical Management of Paediatric Crohn's Disease: an ECCO-ESPGHAN Guideline Update

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to provide an evidence-supported update of the ECCO-ESPGHAN guideline on the medical management of paediatric Crohn's disease [CD].

METHODS

We formed 10 working groups and formulated 17 PICO-structured clinical questions [Patients, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcome]. A systematic literature search from January 1, 1991 to March 19, 2019 was conducted by a medical librarian using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central databases. A shortlist of 30 provisional statements were further refined during a consensus meeting in Barcelona in October 2019 and subjected to a vote. In total 22 statements reached ≥ 80% agreement and were retained.

RESULTS

We established that it was key to identify patients at high risk of a complicated disease course at the earliest opportunity, to reduce bowel damage. Patients with perianal disease, stricturing or penetrating behaviour, or severe growth retardation should be considered for up-front anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF] agents in combination with an immunomodulator. Therapeutic drug monitoring to guide treatment changes is recommended over empirically escalating anti-TNF dose or switching therapies. Patients with low-risk luminal CD should be induced with exclusive enteral nutrition [EEN], or with corticosteroids when EEN is not an option, and require immunomodulator-based maintenance therapy. Favourable outcomes rely on close monitoring of treatment response, with timely adjustments in therapy when treatment targets are not met. Serial faecal calprotectin measurements or small bowel imaging [ultrasound or magnetic resonance enterography] are more reliable markers of treatment response than clinical scores alone.

CONCLUSIONS

We present state-of-the-art guidance on the medical treatment and long-term management of children and adolescents with CD.

Prophylaxis of Crohn's disease recurrence: A surgeon's perspective

Management of inflammatory bowel disease has evolved extensively in the last three decades. We have learnt a lot about the pathophysiology and natural history of the disease. New effective classes of drugs with the associated potential morbidity have been introduced. New surgical techniques have been popularized leading to a better understanding of the optimal timing of surgery. The result is a very complex subspecialty of gastroenterology and colorectal surgery called the "IBDologist." Only if we manage these complex patients in the context of a multi-disciplinary team will we be able to obtain outstanding outcomes, specifically with high and sustained remission rates for these patients.

Prevention of Postoperative Recurrence in CD: Tailoring Treatment to Patient Profile

Crohn's disease (CD) is an immune-mediated condition characterized by the transmural inflammation of the gut tissue, associated with progressive bowel damage often leading to surgical intervention. As operative resection of the damaged segment is not curative, a majority of patients undergoing intestinal resections for complicated CD present disease recurrence within 3 years after the intervention. Postoperative recurrence can be defined as endoscopic, clinical, radiological or surgical. Endoscopic recurrence rates within 1 year exceed 60% and the severity, according to the Rutgeerts' score, is associated with worse prognosis and can predict clinical recurrence (in up to 1/3 of the patients). Most importantly, about 50% of patients will undergo a reoperation after 10 years of their first intestinal resection. Therefore, the prevention of postoperative recurrence in CD remains a challenge in clinical practice and should be properly managed. We aim to summarize the most recent data on the definition, risk factors, assessment and treatment of postoperative CD recurrence.

Systematic review with meta-analysis of partial enteral nutrition for the maintenance of remission in Crohn's disease

Although enteral nutrition (EN) is effective for induction therapy in Crohn's disease (CD), it remains unclear whether partial enteral nutrition (PEN), i.e., EN, along with a daily diet, is effective for maintenance therapy in CD. It was hypothesized that PEN would be effective as a maintenance therapy in CD. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PEN for maintenance therapy in CD. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched up to January 2019 for eligible prospective controlled trials, and then a meta-analysis was conducted. The primary outcome was clinical relapse, as defined in the primary studies. Eight studies with 429 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The rate of clinical relapse at 0.5 to 2 years was significantly lower in patients receiving PEN (420-1800 kcal/d) than in those not receiving nutrition therapy (RR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.54-0.82, P < .01; number needed to treat = 5, P < .01). Patients receiving PEN exhibited a higher frequency of clinical remission maintenance at 0.5 to 1 year (67%) than did those not receiving nutrition therapy (48%; RR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.07-1.64, P = .01). The total adverse event rate was comparable in the two groups (RR: 3.60, 95% CI: 0.70-18.66, P = .13). PEN may be more effective than the absence of EN therapy for the maintenance of remission in CD with a good safety profile.

Elemental diet directly affects chemotherapy-induced dermatitis and raw wound areas

Elental^® is an L-glutamine-rich elemental diet (ED) that has been widely used in Japan as a nutritional supplement for malnourished patients. In addition, Elental^® has been successfully used in the management of chemotherapy-induced mucositis in cancer patients. Recently, it was also reported that Elental^® can effectively reduce chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma, and can also reduce mucositis and dermatitis in animal models. However, it is unclear whether oral intake or topical application of Elental^® can act directly on chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis or dermatitis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible direct healing effect of Elental^® on chemotherapy-induced dermatitis and raw wound areas in a mouse model. Dermatitis and raw wounds were induced in nude mice by administration of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (via gastric tube) and mechanical injury (using a metal brush or a surgical knife). We then compared the outcome following oral or topical application of Elental^® in these mice. The effect of Elental^® on the growth and migration ability of the human oral keratinocyte cell line, HOK, was also examined using MTT and migration assays, respectively. In the mouse model, both oral administration and topical application of Elental^® reduced 5-FU-induced dermatitis and healed raw wound areas more effectively compared with the topical application of saline. The MTT assay revealed that Elental^® exerted a growth-promoting effect on HOKs. In addition, Elental^® enhanced the ability of HOKs to migrate, as demonstrated by the migration assay. These findings demonstrated that the topical application as well as the oral intake of Elental^® exerted a direct healing effect on chemotherapy-induced dermatitis or raw wound areas. The data also indicated that oral intake of an ED may exert a direct healing effect on chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis.

Dietary Strategies for Maintenance of Clinical Remission in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Are We There Yet?

The etiopathogenesis of Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a result of a complex interaction between host immune response, the gut microbiome and environmental factors, such as diet. Although scientific advances, with the use of biological medications, have revolutionized IBD treatment, the challenge for maintaining clinical remission and delaying clinical relapse is still present. As exclusive enteral nutrition has become a well-established treatment for the induction of remission in pediatric Crohn's disease, the scientific interest regarding diet in IBD is now focused on the development of follow-on dietary strategies, which aim to suppress colonic inflammation and delay a disease flare. The objective of this review is to present an extensive overview of the dietary strategies, which have been used in the literature to maintain clinical remission in both Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis, and the evidence surrounding the association of dietary components with clinical relapse. We also aim to provide study-related recommendations to be encompassed in future research studies aiming to investigate the role of diet during remission periods in IBD.

Perioperative Dietary Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] is rising worldwide and no cure is available. Many patients require surgery and they often present with nutritional deficiencies. Although randomised controlled trials of dietary therapy are lacking, expert IBD centres have long-established interdisciplinary care, including tailored nutritional therapy, to optimise clinical outcomes and resource utilisation. This topical review aims to share expertise and offers current practice recommendations to optimise outcomes of IBD patients who undergo surgery.

METHODS

A consensus expert panel consisting of dietitians, surgeons, and gastroenterologists, convened by the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation, performed a systematic literature review. Nutritional evaluation and dietary needs, perioperative optimis ation, surgical complications, long-term needs, and special situations were critically appraised. Statements were developed using a Delphi methodology incorporating three successive rounds. Current practice positions were set when ≥80% of participants agreed on a recommendation.

RESULTS

A total of 26 current practice positions were formulated which address the needs of IBD patients perioperatively and in the long term following surgery. Routine screening, perioperative optimisation by oral, enteral, or parenteral nutrition, dietary fibre, and supplements were reviewed. IBD-specific situations, including management of patients with a restorative proctocolectomy, an ostomy, strictures, or short-bowel syndrome, were addressed.

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative dietary therapy improves the outcomes of IBD patients who undergo a surgical procedure. This topical review shares interdisciplinary expertise and provides guidance to optimise the outcomes of patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. taking advantage of contemporary nutrition science.

Two Cases of Atraumatic Chylous Ascites Characterized by Hypotriglyceridemia and Partially Managed with an Oral Fat-Free Elemental Diet

Most cases of chylous ascites occur after surgery, but it also develops in nonoperative cases, although rarely. Such cases are often difficult to treat. In this study, we treated 2 cases of atraumatic chylous ascites, which were controlled by combining diuretic treatment with an oral fat-free elemental diet (Elental®, EA Pharma Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). Elental can provide oral nutrition compatible with a lipid-restricted diet, which may be useful for control of chylous ascites. We report on these cases, including literature review-based considerations.

Pharmacological Prevention and Management of Postoperative Relapse in Pediatric Crohn's Disease

Pediatric Crohn's disease (CD) is characterized by an aggressive course that commonly requires more intensive pharmacological and surgical treatments. In spite of the therapeutic advances in monitoring and management, including the widespread use of biologic therapy, the cumulative incidence of surgery in children with CD is still high. However, surgery is usually not curative and disease recurrence after small bowel resection is common. Gastrointestinal endoscopy is currently the gold standard to evaluate disease progression after surgery, but other non-invasive methods have been suggested. Although the efficacy of several drugs as medical prophylaxis to reduce the rate of disease recurrence following intestinal resection has been evaluated, selecting the most appropriate preventive therapeutic intervention remains a challenge. The current recommendations, mostly based on adult studies due to limited pediatric data, state that treatment should be guided by risk for recurrence. Low-risk patients may be given no prophylaxis or only 5-ASA. Maintenance enteral nutrition may also be considered. Thiopurines may be used in moderate risk of CD recurrence. In high risk patients for postoperative recurrence (extensive disease, short disease duration from diagnosis to surgery, recurrent surgery, long resected segment, surgery for fistulizing disease, disease complications, perianal disease, smoking), prophylactic treatment with anti-TNFα is recommended. subsequently, therapy should be guided by repeated measurement of objective measures including endoscopic re-evaluation at 6-12 months following surgery.

Enteral Nutrition in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease mediated by the immune system and is characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. One of the possible treatments for this pathology is a change in the type of diet, of which enteral nutrition (EN) is one. This study is to understand how the use of EN can affect the adult population diagnosed with IBD. We conducted a systematic review, meta-analysis, and a meta-regression. On the different databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane, LILACS, CINAHL, WOS), we found 363 registers with an accuracy of 12% (44 registers). After a full-text review, only 30 research studies were selected for qualitative synthesis and 11 for meta-analysis and meta-regression. The variables used were Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI), C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). EN has been shown to have efficacy for the treatment of Crohn's disease and is compatible with other medicines. As for the CDAI or rates of remission, there were no differences between enteral and parenteral nutrition. Polymeric formulas have shown better results with respect to the CRP. The long-term treatment could dilute the good CDAI results that are obtained at the start of the EN treatment.

Enteral Nutrition in Adult Crohn's Disease: Toward a Paradigm Shift

Medical and surgical treatments for Crohn's disease are associated with toxic effects. Medical therapy aims for mucosal healing and is achievable with biologics, immunosuppressive therapy, and specialised enteral nutrition, but not with corticosteroids. Sustained remission remains a therapeutic challenge. Enteral nutrition, containing macro- and micro-nutrients, is nutritionally complete, and is provided in powder or liquid form. Enteral nutrition is a low-risk and minimally invasive therapy. It is well-established and recommended as first line induction therapy in paediatric Crohn's disease with remission rates of up to 80%. Other than in Japan, enteral nutrition is not routinely used in the adult population among Western countries, mainly due to unpalatable formulations which lead to poor compliance. This study aims to offer a comprehensive review of available enteral nutrition formulations and the literature supporting the use and mechanisms of action of enteral nutrition in adult Crohn's disease patients, in order to support clinicians in real world decision-making when offering/accepting treatment. The mechanisms of actions of enteral feed, including their impact on the gut microbiome, were explored. Barriers to the use of enteral nutrition, such as compliance and the route of administration, were considered. All available enteral preparations have been comprehensively described as a practical guide for clinical use. Likewise, guidelines are reported and discussed.

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.

Bases for the Adequate Development of Nutritional Recommendations for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract; it is a heterogeneous and multifactorial disorder resulting from a complex interplay between genetic variation, intestinal microbiota, the host immune system and environmental factors such as diet, drugs, breastfeeding and smoking. The interactions between dietary nutrients and intestinal immunity are complex. There is a compelling argument for environmental factors such as diet playing a role in the cause and course of IBD, given that three important factors in the pathogenesis of IBD can be modulated and controlled by diet: intestinal microbiota, the immune system and epithelial barrier function. The aim of this review is to summarize the epidemiological findings regarding diet and to focus on the effects that nutrients exert on the intestinal mucosa–microbiota–permeability interaction. The nature of these interactions in IBD is influenced by alterations in the nutritional metabolism of the gut microbiota and host cells that can influence the outcome of nutritional intervention. A better understanding of diet–host–microbiota interactions is essential for unravelling the complex molecular basis of epigenetic, genetic and environmental interactions underlying IBD pathogenesis as well as for offering new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of IBD.

Stable isotope ratios of carbon, nitrogen and selenium concentration in the scalp hair of Crohn's disease patients who ingested the elemental diet Elental®

RATIONALE

Elental^® is an elemental diet widely used as a nutritional supplement for Crohn's disease (CD) patients in Japan. Elental^® contains amino acids as nitrogen sources and does not contain selenium (Se), and the δ¹³ C and δ¹⁵ N values of Elental^® are markedly higher and lower, respectively, than those of a normal diet.

METHODS

We compared the δ¹³ C and δ¹⁵ N values and Se concentration in the scalp hair of CD patients with those of control subjects who ate a regular diet, and estimated the amount of Elental^® ingested as a supplement. The δ¹³ C and δ¹⁵ N values and the Se concentrations were quantified using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), respectively.

RESULTS

An increase in Elental^® ingestion increased the δ¹³ C value in the hair of CD patients (p <0.05), while it reduced the δ¹⁵ N value (p <0.05) and tended to reduce the Se concentration in female patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The amount of Elental^® ingested could be estimated by the δ¹³ C and δ¹⁵ N values in the hair of CD patients. Furthermore, the Se deficiency in female patients may be predicted from the δ¹³ C and δ¹⁵ N values.

Isolated colonic Crohn's disease is associated with a reduced response to exclusive enteral nutrition compared to ileal or ileocolonic disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) as a primary therapy is safe and effective for inducing the clinical remission of active luminal Crohn's disease (CD). Whether isolated colonic involvement affects the efficacy of EEN is controversial. We aimed to identify the influence of isolated colonic CD on the efficacy of EEN and to determine other potential predictors of the response to induction therapy with EEN in adult patients with CD.

METHODS

Data for adult CD patients treated with EEN as an induction therapy at our centre from January 1, 2014, to May 31, 2017, were reviewed. Eligible patients were divided into an isolated colonic Crohn's disease (cCD) group and a non-isolated colonic Crohn's disease (non-cCD) group according to the disease location. The rates of clinical remission and inflammatory and nutritional serum markers were compared between the groups. Possible relationships between isolated colonic involvement or other potential factors and the efficacy of EEN were assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses. The propensity score matching method was used to confirm the results.

RESULTS

Overall, 241 patients were included in the analysis: 52 patients in the cCD group and 189 patients in the non-cCD group. The rates of clinical remission differed between the two groups (cCD group: 51.9% versus non-cCD group: 68.3%, P = 0.029). Multivariate analyses indicated that isolated colonic involvement was associated with a reduced response to EEN (OR = 2.74; [CI] 95% = [1.2-6.23], P = 0.016). Additionally, the lean body mass index (LBMI) before treatment was associated with the efficacy of EEN (OR = 0.636; [CI] 95% = [0.444-0.912], P = 0.014). These associations were confirmed using the propensity score model. For patients with isolated colonic CD, multivariate analysis showed that pancolitis (OR = 16.7; [CI] 95% = [1.074-260.5], P = 0.044) was another independent factor for the efficacy of EEN. Further analysis showed that even in patients who achieved clinical remission after EEN, inflammatory serum markers declined more slowly in the cCD group than in the non-cCD group, and the time to remission was longer in the cCD group.

CONCLUSIONS

Isolated colonic CD showed a reduced response to induction therapy with EEN compared with ileal or ileocolonic disease in adult patients. Patients with isolated colonic CD required more time to benefit from EEN therapy compared with patients with non-colonic CD. Additionally, LBMI before treatment was associated with the efficacy of EEN.

Enteral nutrition for maintenance of remission in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Prevention of relapse is a major issue in the management of quiescent Crohn's disease (CD). Current therapies (e.g. methotrexate, biologics, 6-mercaptopurine and azathioprine) may be effective for maintaining remission in CD, but these drugs may cause significant adverse events. Interventions that are effective and safe for maintenance of remission in CD are desirable.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objectives were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of enteral nutrition for the maintenance of remission in CD and to assess the impact of formula composition on effectiveness.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, the Cochrane IBD Group Specialized Register and clinicaltrials.gov from inception to 27 July 2018. We also searched references of retrieved studies and reviews.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) including participants of any age with quiescent CD were considered for inclusion. Studies that compared enteral nutrition with no intervention, placebo or any other intervention were selected for review.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently screened studies for inclusion, extracted data and assessed methodological quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The primary outcome was clinical or endoscopic relapse as defined by the primary studies. Secondary outcomes included anthropometric measures (i.e. height and weight), quality of life (QoL), adverse events, serious adverse events and withdrawal due to adverse events. We calculated the risk ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) for dichotomous outcomes. For continuous outcomes, we calculated the mean difference and 95% CI. A random-effects model was used for the statistical analysis. We used the GRADE criteria to assess the overall certainty of the evidence supporting the primary outcome and selected secondary outcomes.

MAIN RESULTS

Four RCTs (262 adult participants) met the inclusion criteria. One study (N = 33) compared an elemental diet to a non-elemental (polymeric) diet. One study (N = 51) compared a half elemental diet to a regular free diet. Another study (N = 95) compared an elemental diet to 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) or a no treatment control group. One study (N= 83) compared a polymeric diet to mesalamine. Two studies were rated as high risk of bias due to lack of blinding or incomplete outcome data. The other two studies were judged to have an unclear risk of bias. The studies were not pooled due to differences in control interventions and the way outcomes were assessed.The effect of an elemental diet compared to a polymeric diet on remission rates or withdrawal due to adverse events is uncertain. Fifty-eight per cent (11/19) of participants in the elemental diet group relapsed at 12 months compared to 57% (8/14) of participants in the polymeric diet group (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.84; very low certainty evidence). Thirty-two per cent (6/19) of participants in the elemental diet group were intolerant to the enteral nutritional formula because of taste or smell and were withdrawn from the study in the first 2 weeks compared to zero participants (0/14) in the polymeric diet group (RR 9.75, 95% CI 0.59 to 159.93; low certainty evidence). Anthropometric measures, QoL, adverse events and serious adverse events were not reported as outcomes.The effect of an elemental diet (half of total daily calorie requirements) compared to a normal free diet on relapse rates is uncertain. Thirty-five per cent (9/26) of participants in the elemental diet group relapsed at 12 months compared to 64% (16/25) of participants in the free diet group (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.99; very low certainty evidence). No adverse events were reported. This study reported no differences in weight change between the two diet groups. Height and QoL were not reported as outcomes.The effect of an elemental diet compared to 6-MP on relapse rates or adverse events is uncertain. Thirty-eight per cent (12/32) of participants in the elemental diet group relapsed at 12 months compared to 23% (7/30) of participants in the 6-MP group (RR 1.61; 95% CI 0.73 to 3.53; very low certainty evidence). Three per cent (1/32) of participants in the elemental diet group had an adverse event compared to 13% (4/30) of participants in the 6-MP group (RR 0.23, 95% CI 0.03 to 1.98; low certainty evidence). Adverse events in the elemental diet group included surgery due to worsening CD. Adverse events in the 6-MP group included liver injury (n = 2), hair loss (n = 1) and surgery due to an abscess (n = 1). No serious adverse events or withdrawals due to adverse events were reported. Weight, height and QoL were not reported as outcomesThe effect of a polymeric diet compared to mesalamine on relapse rates and weight is uncertain. Forty-two per cent (18/43) of participants in the polymeric diet group relapsed at 6 months compared to 55% (22/40) of participants in the mesalamine group (RR 0.76; 95% CI 0.49 to 1.19; low certainty evidence). The mean difference in weight gain over the study period was 1.9 kg higher in the polymeric diet group compared to mesalamine (95% CI -4.62 to 8.42; low certainty evidence). Two participants in the polymeric diet group experienced nausea and four had diarrhoea. It is unclear if any participants in the mesalamine group had an adverse event. Height, QoL, serious adverse events and withdrawal due to adverse events were not reported as outcomes.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The results for the outcomes assessed in this review are uncertain and no firm conclusions regarding the efficacy and safety of enteral nutrition in quiescent CD can be drawn. More research is needed to determine the efficacy and safety of using enteral nutrition as maintenance therapy in CD. Currently, there are four ongoing studies (estimated enrolment of 280 participants). This review will be updated when the results of these studies are available.

Risk factors for recurrence of Crohn's disease requiring surgery in patients receiving post-operative anti-tumor necrosis factor maintenance therapy

OBJECTIVES

Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antibodies have shown efficacy in the prevention of recurrence of Crohn's disease after intestinal resection. However, some patients develop surgical recurrence despite this therapy. We aimed to evaluate the risk factors for recurrence of Crohn's disease requiring surgery while receiving post-operative anti-TNF therapy.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective evaluation of 164 patients who had received post-operative anti-TNF maintenance therapy between 2002 and 2016. We classified Crohn's disease-related re-operation as surgical recurrence and analyzed its risk factors using the Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

Of the 164 participants, 128 had received infliximab and 36 had received adalimumab maintenance therapy. We obtained follow-up data over a mean of 60.2 months. The proportion of patients with surgical recurrence at 5 years was 14.9%. The only independent risk factor for surgical recurrence, which we identified was post-operative smoking habit (odds ratio, 5.03; 95% CI, 1.14-12.8; P=0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

Post-operative smoking may be a significant risk factor for post-operative surgical recurrence of Crohn's disease while receiving anti-TNF maintenance therapy.

Efficacy of a concomitant elemental diet to reduce the loss of response to adalimumab in patients with intractable Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Secondary loss of response to adalimumab (ADA-LOR) commonly occurs in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) treated with adalimumab (ADA). We evaluated the efficacy of concomitant elemental diet (ED) therapy to reduce ADA-LOR in adult CD patients.

METHODS

Patients were divided into either an ED (≥900 kcal/day) or a non-ED group (<900 kcal/day). Cumulative non-ADA-LOR rates were compared between groups. The effects of ED intake to reduce ADA-LOR were also assessed in antitumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-naïve and infliximab (IFX)-intolerant or refractory CD patients. Serum ADA and TNF-α levels were measured.

RESULTS

We enrolled 117 CD patients into the ED (n = 25) or non-ED (n = 92) groups. Although the cumulative non-ADA-LOR rate was higher in the ED group than in the non-ED group, ED intake was not an independent reducing factor for ADA-LOR (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.725; 95% confidence interval: 0.448-1.180; P = 0.196) in all patients. ED intake was significantly more effective in reducing ADA-LOR in IFX-intolerant or refractory patients than in anti-TNF-α-naïve patients in a dose-related manner (P for interaction <0.20). Serum ADA levels did not differ between the groups. Serum TNF-α levels were significantly lower in the ED group than in the non-ED group at week 28 (P = 0.044) and week 52 (P = 0.043).

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant ED therapy reduced ADA-LOR in IFX-intolerant or refractory patients in a dose-related manner. Reductions in the TNF-α levels by concomitant ED intake may contribute to reduce ADA-LOR in CD patients.

Enteral Nutrition in the Management of Crohn's Disease: Reviewing Mechanisms of Actions and Highlighting Potential Venues for Enhancing the Efficacy

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic condition that affects the gut and has adverse effects on growth and development. There is a global increase in the incidence and prevalence rates, and several factors are believed to contribute to this rise, including dietary habits. In contrast, the use of enteral nutrition (EN) as an exclusive source of nutrition is increasingly becoming the preferred induction treatment of pediatric CD patients in part to address the nutrition complications. However, EN therapy is considered less effective in adults with CD. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of enteral therapy will help improve the clinical management of CD. It is increasingly becoming evident that the therapeutic utility of EN is in part due to the reversal of the microbial changes and the direct immunomodulatory effects. Moreover, there is a potential tendency for enhancing the efficacy of EN therapy by improving the palatability of the given formulas and, more important, by magnifying the anti-inflammatory properties. Recent observations have shown that the immunomodulatory effects of EN are mediated at least in part by blocking nuclear factor-κB. Furthermore, it is likely that several ingredients of EN contribute to this activity, in particular glutamine and arginine amino acids. In addition, manipulating the composition of EN therapy by altering concentrations of the key ingredients is found to have the potential for more efficient therapy. In this review, the underlying mechanisms of EN actions will be discussed further with a focus on the potential methods for enhancing the efficacy.

Research Gaps in Diet and Nutrition in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. A Topical Review by D-ECCO Working Group [Dietitians of ECCO]

Although the current doctrine of IBD pathogenesis proposes an interaction between environmental factors and gut microbiota in genetically susceptible individuals, dietary exposures have attracted recent interest and are, at least in part, likely to explain the rapid rise in disease incidence and prevalence. The D-ECCO working group along with other ECCO experts with expertise in nutrition, microbiology, physiology, and medicine reviewed the evidence investigating the role of diet and nutritional therapy in the onset, perpetuation, and management of IBD. A narrative topical review is presented where evidence pertinent to the topic is summarised collectively under three main thematic domains: i] the role of diet as an environmental factor in IBD aetiology; ii] the role of diet as induction and maintenance therapy in IBD; and iii] assessment of nutritional status and supportive nutritional therapy in IBD. A summary of research gaps for each of these thematic domains is proposed, which is anticipated to be agenda-setting for future research in the area of diet and nutrition in IBD.

Impact of Preoperative Exclusive Enteral Nutrition on Postoperative Complications and Recurrence After Bowel Resection in Patients with Active Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

The impact of preoperative enteral nutrition (EN) on postoperative complications and recurrence in Crohn's disease (CD) has not been investigated to date. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of preoperative exclusive EN on postoperative complications and recurrence after bowel resection in patients with active CD.

METHODS

Patient data were obtained from a prospectively maintained database. 81 patients who received bowel resection for ileal or ileocolonic CD were studied. Before operation, 42 CD patients received exclusive EN for 4 weeks, and the other patients had no nutritional therapy. All patients were followed up regularly for 2 years after surgery, and ileocolonoscopy was performed every 6 months after bowel resection.

RESULTS

Patients receiving exclusive EN had a dramatic improvement of nutritional (BMI, albumin, pre-albumin, and Hb) and inflammatory (CRP and CDAI) status compared with baseline after the EN therapy for 4 weeks (P < 0.05). Furthermore, significantly lower incidence of both infectious and non-infectious complications was observed in patients receiving exclusive EN compared with those received no nutritional therapy (P < 0.05). Exclusive EN therapy for 4 weeks significantly reduced endoscopic recurrence rates after resection for CD 6 months after operation. However, during the 2-year follow-up, incidence of clinical recurrence was similar in both groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative exclusive EN therapy for 4 weeks reduced postoperative complications, which may be associated with improvement of nutritional and inflammatory status in patients with active CD.

NASPGHAN Clinical Report on Postoperative Recurrence in Pediatric Crohn Disease

Pediatric Crohn disease is characterized by clinical and endoscopic relapses. The inflammatory process is considered to be progressive and may lead to strictures, fistulas, and penetrating disease that may require surgery. In addition, medically refractory disease may be treated by surgical resection of inflamed bowel in an effort to reverse growth failure. The need for surgery in childhood suggests severe disease and these patients have an increased risk for recurrent disease and potentially more surgery. Data show that up to 55% of patients had clinical recurrence in the first 2 years after initial surgery. The current clinical report on postoperative recurrence in pediatric Crohn disease reviews the risk factors for early surgery and postoperative recurrence, operative risk factors for recurrence, and prevention and monitoring strategies for postoperative recurrence. We also propose an algorithm for postoperative management in pediatric Crohn disease.

Elemental Diet Accelerates the Recovery From Oral Mucositis and Dermatitis Induced by 5-Fluorouracil Through the Induction of Fibroblast Growth Factor 2

Mucositis and dermatitis induced by anticancer agents are common complications of anticancer therapies. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of Elental (Ajinomoto Pharmaceutical Ltd, Tokyo, Japan), an elemental diet with glutamine in the treatment of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced oral mucositis and dermatitis in vivo and tried to clarify the underlying mechanisms of its action. Oral mucositis and dermatitis was induced through a combination of 5-FU treatment and mild abrasion of the cheek pouch in hamsters and the dorsal skin in nude mice respectively. These animals received saline, dextrin or Elental suspension (18 kcal/100 g) by a gastric tube daily until sacrifice. Elental reduced oral mucositis and dermatitis more effectively than dextrin in the animal model. Moreover, growth facilitating effects of Elental on HaCaT cells were examined in vitro. MTT assay, wound healing assay, and migration assay revealed that Elental could enhance the growth, invasion, and migration ability of HaCaT. ELISA and Western blotting showed upregulated FGF2 in Elental-treated HaCaT. These findings suggest that Elental is effective for the treatment of mucositis and dermatitis, and may accelerate mucosal and skin recovery through FGF2 induction and reepithelization.

Elental® amino acid component has protective effects on primary cultured hepatocytes and a rat model of acute liver injury

Amino acids can exert protective effects on the liver either when administered as a medication or following an operation. In this study, we examined the protective effects of amino acids on the liver using in vitro and in vivo models by studying their influence on the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nitric oxide production as a liver injury marker in cultured hepatocytes and liver-protective effects in d-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide (GalN/LPS)-treated rats, respectively. Primary cultured rat hepatocytes were treated with interleukin (IL)-1β in the presence or absence of Elental® amino acid component (EleAA; 17 amino acids). Rats were pretreated with either EleAA or a diet containing selected amino acids followed by GalN/LPS injection. Survival rate and mRNA expression were analyzed. EleAA inhibited iNOS induction through reduction of mRNA synthesis and stability in cultured hepatocytes, indicating prevention of liver injury, but did not show a liver-protective effect in GalN/LPS rats. Among EleAA, Lys, Trp, His, and Arg (4AA) markedly decreased nitric oxide production and inhibited nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. In GalN/LPS rats, 4AA (3% of each amino acid in diet) increased survival rate by 50% and decreased mRNA expression of iNOS, tumor necrosis factor-α, and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 in the liver. 4AA reduced NF-κB activation induced by GalN/LPS. 4AA inhibited the expression of inflammatory mediators, in part through inhibition of NF-κB activation in cultured hepatocytes and GalN/LPS-treated rats. The results suggest that EleAA has therapeutic potential for organ injuries including liver.

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.

Dietary and enteral interventions for Crohn's disease

It is now widely acknowledged that the intestinal bacterial flora together with genetic predisposing factors significantly contribute to the immunopathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as reflected by mucosal immune dysregulation. Recently, there has been an increased interest in nutraceutical therapies, including probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics. Other dietary interventions with low carbohydrate diet, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and glutamine have been attempted to downregulate the gut inflammatory response and thereby alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms. Enteral nutrition has been widely used as induction and maintenance therapies in the management of Crohn's disease (CD). In this review, a critical assessment of the results of clinical trial outcomes and meta-analyses was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of dietary and enteral interventions for CD.

Nutritional Strategies in the Management of Adult Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Dietary Considerations from Active Disease to Disease Remission

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic, lifelong, and relapsing illnesses, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, which involve the gastrointestinal tract. There is no cure for these diseases, but combined pharmacological and nutritional therapy can induce remission and maintain clinical remission. Malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies among IBD patients result in poor clinical outcomes such as growth failure, reduced response to pharmacotherapy, increased risk for sepsis, and mortality. The aim of this review is to highlight the consequences of malnutrition in the management of IBD and describe nutritional interventions to facilitate induction of remission as well as maintenance; we will also discuss alternative delivery methods to improve nutritional status preoperatively.

Nutrition in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: From Etiology to Treatment. A Systematic Review

Nutrition is involved in several aspects of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ranging from disease etiology to induction and maintenance of disease. With regards to etiology, there are pediatric data, mainly from case-control studies, which suggest that some dietary habits (for example consumption of animal protein, fatty foods, high sugar intake) may predispose patients to IBD onset. As for disease treatment, exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is an extensively studied, well established, and valid approach to the remission of pediatric Crohn’s disease (CD). Apart from EEN, several new nutritional approaches are emerging and have proved to be successful (specific carbohydrate diet and CD exclusion diet) but the available evidence is not strong enough to recommend this kind of intervention in clinical practice and new large experimental controlled studies are needed, especially in the pediatric population. Moreover, efforts are being made to identify foods with anti-inflammatory properties such as curcumin and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids n-3, which can possibly be effective in maintenance of disease. The present systematic review aims at reviewing the scientific literature on all aspects of nutrition in pediatric IBD, including the most recent advances on nutritional therapy.

Modulating Composition and Metabolic Activity of the Gut Microbiota in IBD Patients

The healthy intestine represents a remarkable interface where sterile host tissues come in contact with gut microbiota, in a balanced state of homeostasis. The imbalance of gut homeostasis is associated with the onset of many severe pathological conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic gastrointestinal disorder increasing in incidence and severely influencing affected individuals. Despite the recent development of next generation sequencing and bioinformatics, the current scientific knowledge of specific triggers and diagnostic markers to improve interventional approaches in IBD is still scarce. In this review we present and discuss currently available and emerging therapeutic options in modulating composition and metabolic activity of gut microbiota in patients affected by IBD. Therapeutic approaches at the microbiota level, such as dietary interventions alone or with probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics, administration of antibiotics, performing fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and the use of nematodes, all represent a promising opportunities towards establishing and maintaining of well-being as well as improving underlying IBD symptoms.

Enteral nutrition for maintaining remission in patients with quiescent Crohn's disease: current status and future perspectives

PURPOSE

The value of enteral nutrition (EN) as maintenance therapy in patients with quiescent Crohn's disease (CD) has not been fully evaluated. The purpose of this study was to review the efficacy of EN for the maintenance of remission in patients with quiescent CD.

METHODS

Seven prospective cohort studies evaluating the efficacy of EN for the maintenance of remission in quiescent CD were included. Three of the seven studies were randomized-controlled trials (RCTs). In all studies, patients used EN as a supplement or as a nocturnal tube feeding in addition to their normal food.

RESULTS

One study compared the efficacy of elemental diet and polymeric diet. Elemental and polymeric diets were equally effective for the maintenance of clinical remission and for allowing tapering and cessation of steroid therapy. The other six studies compared the outcomes between patients treated with and without EN. The maintained clinical remission rate at 1 year was significantly higher in patients treated with EN in four of the six studies. Quantitative pooling of the studies was not feasible due to a small number of RCTs and a narrative account of the study characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

Our review suggests that EN is useful for the maintenance of remission in patients with quiescent CD. However, there are several limitations in the reviewed studies. There are few RCTs. Further, the sample size is small, and the duration of intervention and follow-up is short. Large and well-designed RCTs should be conducted to rigorously evaluate the efficacy of EN for maintaining remission.

Clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of elemental nutrition for the maintenance of remission in Crohn's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Although enteral nutrition has been shown to be a viable treatment option for the management of active Crohn's disease (CD), the evidence regarding its clinical benefits compared with standard treatments (e.g. steroids) for maintaining remission in patients with CD has been inconsistent. If enteral nutrition was to be effective, the use of drugs such as steroids and immunosuppressive drugs could be reduced, thereby reducing the likelihood of adverse events associated with these medications.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of elemental nutrition (a type of enteral nutrition) for maintenance of remission in patients with CD.

DATA SOURCES

Major bibliographic databases (e.g. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) were searched from inception to August/September 2013. Searches were not limited by study design, language or publication date. Websites for relevant organisations and references of included studies were checked.

METHODS

Experimental randomised and non-randomised controlled trials (RCTs and nRCTs) reporting clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of elemental nutrition in the maintenance of remission in patients with CD were eligible. Study selection, data extraction and risk of bias (RoB) assessment were performed independently. Risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences (MDs) were pooled using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed via forest plots, Cochran's Q and the I2 statistics. Overall, quality of evidence for each outcome was rated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

RESULTS

Eight studies (three RCTs and five nRCTs) were included in the review. RCTs indicated a significant benefit of elemental nutrition vs. no intervention (an unrestricted diet) in maintaining remission at 24 months [one RCT; RR 2.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00 to 4.43; very low-grade evidence] and preventing relapse at 12-24 months post baseline (two RCTs; pooled RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.84; I2 = 0%; high-grade evidence). Similarly, three nRCTs showed significant benefits of elemental nutrition over no intervention in maintaining remission at 12-48 months and preventing relapse at 12 months post baseline (MD 1.20 months, 95% CI 0.35 to 2.04 months). The incidence of mucosal healing was not significantly different in the intervention and control groups (RR 2.70, 95% CI 0.62 to 11.72). Adherence to an elemental nutrition regime was significantly worse than adherence to polymeric nutrition (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.92) and, when compared with other active treatments (medications, polymeric nutrition or a combination), elemental nutrition yielded non-significant results with wide 95% CIs, rendering these results inconclusive. Complications and adverse events were too sparse to allow meaningful comparisons. None of the studies reported cost-effectiveness of elemental nutrition. Owing to scarcity of data, subgroup and sensitivity analyses could not be performed to explore methodological and clinical sources of heterogeneity.

LIMITATIONS

The findings warrant cautious interpretation given the limitations of the evidence in methodological quality (small samples, short follow-up) and the RoB in individual studies (lack of blinding, confounding).

CONCLUSIONS

Limited evidence indicates potential benefits of elemental nutrition against no intervention in the maintenance of remission and prevention of relapse in adult patients with CD. There was a lack or insufficient evidence on adverse events and complications. Future large and long-term randomised trials are warranted to draw more definitive conclusions regarding the effects of elemental nutrition in maintaining remission in CD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42013005134.

FUNDING

The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.